A 57‑year‑old suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, is now in custody and facing charges after allegedly killing Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark early Saturday at their Brooklyn Park residence. Hours later, he reportedly shot State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette in nearby Champlin.
The arrest came Sunday evening in rural Sibley County, after a massive two‑day manhunt involving more than 20 SWAT teams, foot officers, and a helicopter. According to authorities, Boelter even crawled toward law enforcement before being taken into custody. He verbally identified himself when approached by deputies.
Billed by Brooklyn Park’s Chief Mark Bruley as the “largest manhunt in the state’s history,” the search saw coordinated efforts from local law enforcement and community support. “The face of evil,” Ramsey County described it, praising the inter‑agency teamwork.
Boelter has been charged by Hennepin County District Court with four counts of second‑degree murder with intent (not premeditated). The charges include two counts for the Hortman killings and two additional counts for attempted murder in the Hoffmans’ shooting. Each charge carries up to 40 years behind bars, with a mandatory minimum of three years due to firearm use.
