The suspect in Minnesota lawmakers shooting crawled to police after a tense manhunt that gripped the state for nearly two days. On June 15, 2025, authorities arrested 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter in a rural area near Green Isle, Minnesota, ending a search that began after the tragic shootings of Democratic lawmakers and their spouses. This shocking event, described as a politically motivated assassination, left Minnesota reeling. Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed, while State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were wounded. Here’s the latest on this harrowing case, focusing on the suspect’s capture and the events leading up to it.
The Capture: Suspect in Minnesota Lawmakers Shooting Crawled to Police
On Sunday night, June 15, 2025, law enforcement closed in on Boelter in a wooded area of Sibley County, about 50 miles from the crime scenes in Brooklyn Park and Champlin. After a local resident’s trail camera captured an image of a man matching Boelter’s description, SWAT teams and a state helicopter tightened their perimeter. Around 9:12 p.m., officers spotted Boelter hiding in the woods. Rather than resisting, the suspect in Minnesota lawmakers shooting crawled to police, surrendering peacefully. No officers or the suspect were injured during the arrest, a testament to the coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service.
Boelter, armed at the time, faces two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman and two counts of attempted murder for the attack on John and Yvette Hoffman. Authorities believe he acted alone, though they continue to investigate potential accomplices. The arrest brought relief to a state on edge, with Governor Tim Walz praising the bravery and collaboration of law enforcement.
The Shootings: A Targeted Attack on Democratic Lawmakers
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of June 14, 2025. At around 2 a.m., Boelter, disguised as a police officer with a latex mask and a fake police SUV, shot Senator John Hoffman and his wife at their Champlin home. Both survived but required surgery for multiple gunshot wounds. Yvette Hoffman heroically shielded their daughter during the attack. About an hour later, police responded to a call at the Hortman residence in Brooklyn Park. There, they encountered Boelter, who opened fire on officers before fleeing on foot, leaving behind his vehicle. Inside, investigators found a manifesto and a list of nearly 70 names, including prominent Minnesota Democrats like Governor Walz, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, and Senator Tina Smith, many known for supporting abortion rights.
The discovery of “No Kings” flyers in Boelter’s vehicle raised concerns due to planned anti-Trump protests under the same name, though authorities found no direct link. The shootings, labeled as targeted political violence, prompted a shelter-in-place order and the cancellation of protests across Minnesota.
Who Is Vance Boelter?
Vance Luther Boelter, a 57-year-old from Green Isle, Minnesota, had ties to state politics, having served on the state’s workforce development board alongside Senator Hoffman from 2016 to 2022. While it’s unclear if they knew each other personally, Boelter’s background in security services may have aided his impersonation of a police officer. His company’s website advertised “police-type vehicles,” which he used to gain trust and access to the victims’ homes. Boelter’s motives remain under investigation, but the target list suggests a focus on Democratic lawmakers and abortion rights advocates. Text messages to roommates, sent before his capture, hinted at remorse, with Boelter stating he might “be dead soon” and apologizing for his actions.
The Aftermath and Minnesota’s Response
The arrest of the suspect in Minnesota lawmakers shooting crawled to police marked the end of the largest manhunt in the state’s history, involving up to 200 officers. Governor Walz called the attacks “unthinkable,” emphasizing the need for civility in political discourse. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and House Speaker Lisa Demuth expressed gratitude for law enforcement’s swift action. Meanwhile, memorials for Melissa Hortman, a respected lawmaker who served as House Speaker from 2019 to 2025, have grown at the state Capitol. Her advocacy for abortion rights, clean energy, and police reform left a lasting legacy.
Senator Hoffman and his wife remain hospitalized but are recovering. The incident has sparked renewed discussions about political violence in the U.S., with leaders like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling for an end to such acts. The Minnesota Legislature, already politically divided, faces new challenges as it navigates the loss of Hortman and the recovery of Hoffman.
What Happens Next?
Boelter’s arrest brings closure to the manhunt but opens a new chapter in the legal process. He is currently being held and questioned at an undisclosed facility. The charges against him carry significant weight, and the investigation continues to explore his motives and any potential connections to broader networks. Minnesota residents, shaken by the violence, are urged to remain vigilant but resume normal activities, as authorities believe the immediate threat has passed.
Stay informed as this story develops. Follow local news outlets and official statements from Minnesota authorities for real-time updates on the case and its impact on the state’s political landscape.