A Minnesota man posing as a police officer fatally shot former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, wounded a state senator and his wife, and was found with a hit list and cache of firearms. Captured after a massive two-day manhunt, Vance Boelter is now facing multiple felony charges for this targeted political attack.
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BROOKLYN PARK, MN (3-minute read) — Authorities in Minnesota have arrested 57-year-old Vance Boelter following a deadly and targeted shooting spree that claimed the lives of former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. The early-morning attack in Brooklyn Park left the couple dead, while a related shooting at the home of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in nearby Champlin left both injured but alive.
According to court documents, Boelter, pretending to be a law enforcement officer, used a Ford SUV equipped with police lights to access the victims’ homes. After exchanging gunfire with officers at the second crime scene, he abandoned the vehicle and fled, initiating what officials called the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history.
Police later discovered an alarming cache in the SUV: three AK-47-style rifles, a 9mm handgun, and a manifesto. The document included the names and personal information of around 70 public figures, including lawmakers, abortion rights advocates, and healthcare workers. Former U.S. Representative Dean Phillips stated that his name was among those listed.
Boelter was apprehended without incident Sunday night in a wooded area west of Minneapolis after air and SWAT teams tracked a second vehicle linked to him. He surrendered by crawling toward officers, marking the end of a high-intensity, two-day search that spanned several counties. His wife, initially detained during a traffic stop, was later released after cooperating with authorities.
Boelter Faces Serious Felony Charges and Firearm Enhancements
The Hennepin County District Court has charged Boelter with four counts of second-degree murder with intent. Each charge carries a potential 40-year sentence, with a mandatory three-year minimum because a firearm was used. Although officials haven’t disclosed a motive, the presence of the hit list and tactical planning suggest a premeditated effort to target political figures.
Safety Tip: Always verify the credentials of individuals claiming to be law enforcement. If you’re uncertain, call 911 immediately and request verification before complying, especially at your home.
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