US authorities have arrested Vance Luther Boelter, 57, the man accused of killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in a deadly shooting that also left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife seriously injured.
The shootings happened early Saturday in two separate homes in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, cities near Minneapolis. After a statewide manhunt that lasted nearly two days, Boelter was caught in a field in rural Sibley County, southwest of the city.
Boelter, said to be a former security company chief, allegedly posed as a police officer and used a modified vehicle to access the homes. Police say he wore a mask during the attacks. He now faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the killings as a “politically motivated assassination,” though the full motive is still under investigation. Police found a notebook in Boelter’s vehicle containing a list of names, including lawmakers, abortion rights advocates, and community leaders.
The tragedy has sparked shock across the state. Flowers and tributes have been placed at the state Capitol in honour of Hortman, 55, who was known for her strong support for women’s rights and social justice.
Senator Hoffman and his wife are receiving treatment in the hospital. According to a statement, they were hit by several bullets but are recovering.
US authorities continue to investigate whether Boelter acted alone or had help.
