Vance Luther Boelter, 57, is now in custody after a deadly, targeted shooting spree in Minnesota that left two people dead and two seriously injured.
He is accused of murdering State Representative Melissa Hortman, 55, and her husband, Mark Hortman, 58, in their Brooklyn Park home, and shooting State Senator John Hoffman, 60, and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, at their Champlin residence.
The shootings took place on June 14, 2025, just hours apart.
JUST IN: Suspected Minnesota assassin Vance Boelter has been arrested near his Green Isle home, according to ABC News.
According to @lizcollin, Boelter was spotted near a home in Green Isle before he started running into the woods.
“At one point, he was tucked in the fetal… pic.twitter.com/CvU41yGQCR
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 16, 2025
A Calculated Attack
Boelter posed as a police officer. He wore a fake uniform, latex mask, and badge. His vehicle had flashing lights.
This allowed him to approach his victims without raising alarm. Once inside, he opened fire.
Melissa Hortman was pronounced dead at the scene. Mark Hortman later died at a nearby hospital.
Two hours earlier, the Hoffmans were ambushed at their home.
Senator Hoffman was shot nine times. His wife was shot eight times while protecting their daughter. Both survived and are recovering.
Authorities later found Boelter’s car 50 miles away in Sibley County.
Inside were weapons, ammunition, and a hit list of nearly 70 names. Most were elected Democrats and abortion advocates.
A High-Tech Manhunt
Boelter’s arrest followed a 48-hour search through woods and farmland.
Local and federal officers used drones and surveillance tools to track him.
On June 16, he was spotted near his home in Green Isle. He ran into the woods but surrendered shortly after, curling into a fetal position.
Drones helped locate the suspect quickly, reducing the risk of further violence and protected both officers and the public.
A Nation on Edge
Boelter’s case is the latest in a growing trend of politically motivated violence.
President Donald Trump has survived two assassination attempts.
Just last month two Israeli embassy workers were gunned down in Washington, D.C.
The list goes on and it’s plain to see; experts say this is the worst period of political violence since the 1960s.
A Fractured Civic Life
Minnesota is grieving. Leaders from both parties and families of victims are calling for unity.
Americans need to tone down the rage and stand against violence.
What Conservatives Must Consider
We must defend our right to speak, vote, and disagree – peacefully.
Strong laws and firm boundaries protect everyone.
Government must act quickly and justly when crimes occur, without weaponizing law enforcement for political ends.
We need to renew a culture of respect. Debate must replace destruction.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
