In a tragic and shocking turn of events, the Vance Boelter arrest has brought some closure to what authorities are calling the most extensive manhunt in Minnesota’s history. 

The arrest follows a devastating weekend in which State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in their home, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were gravely injured. Governor Tim Walz is describing these horrific events as politically motivated.

Here’s what happened, what we know about the suspect, and how Minnesota is reeling and responding to this heartbreaking attack.

Minnesota Shooting Suspect Vance Boelter Arrested After State’s ‘Largest Manhunt’

Melissa Hortman, a longtime Democratic leader and former Speaker of the Minnesota House, was fatally shot in her home alongside her husband. 

The attack stunned both the political world and everyday Minnesotans who respected Hortman’s years of service, including her push for free school lunches statewide and common-sense gun reform.

Police say the assailant arrived at her home in a vehicle equipped with emergency lights and posed as law enforcement. When approached, he reportedly opened fire on responding officers before entering the house and carrying out the fatal shootings.

This brutal attack has been labeled by Governor Walz as a Melissa Hortman assassination, a term not used lightly, and one that underscores just how politically premeditated the crime was.

John Hoffman Shooting Leaves Community on Edge

State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot during the rampage, though both survived. Hoffman underwent final surgery on Sunday and is said to be "moving toward recovery," according to Governor Walz.

The John Hoffman shooting is part of what officials believe was a coordinated, politically motivated plan by Vance Boelter, who allegedly had a hit list that included lawmakers, public officials, and abortion rights advocates.

Authorities say they found at least three AK-47 rifles, a 9mm handgun, and a list of names and addresses of public officials in Boelter’s vehicle. One law enforcement official described it as chilling and organized.

Largest Manhunt in Minnesota History

What followed the attacks was nothing short of extraordinary. The search for 57-year-old Vance Boelter quickly escalated into the largest manhunt in Minnesota history.

Boelter’s SUV was discovered abandoned in Sibley County, about 60 miles from the crime scene. SWAT teams and aerial surveillance quickly locked down the area, eventually spotting Boelter fleeing into the woods. 

Infrared surveillance pinpointed his location and, after a tense 90-minute search, Boelter was found and surrendered without a struggle.

Authorities say he “crawled to law enforcement teams,” and no force was used during the Vance Boelter arrest.

Who Is Vance Boelter?

Boelter, 57, worked for a security firm called Praetorian Guard Security and was listed as their Director of Patrol Services. He reportedly had a military-adjacent background and had recently returned from a trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Roommates told the Minnesota Star Tribune that Boelter had hinted at a disturbing plan, texting them he “may be dead shortly” and that they “don’t know anything about this.” He had also recently quit his job and was experiencing financial difficulties.

Authorities discovered papers in his vehicle with “No Kings” written on them, a possible reference to recent anti-government protest movements. His hit list reportedly included around 70 names.

Political Violence in the Spotlight

Governor Walz didn’t mince words. “One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the state of Minnesota,” he said during a press conference. He urged the public to reject violence as a method of political disagreement, saying, “Now is the time for us to recommit to the core values of this country.”

President Donald Trump also addressed the tragedy, stating, “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America.”

As authorities continue to investigate, there’s growing talk of federal charges against Boelter, since his alleged list included federal officials. He is currently being detained in Hennepin County Jail and faces multiple state charges, including two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder.

The Road Ahead After the Vance Boelter Arrest

The Vance Boelter arrest may have ended the immediate danger, but the wounds this attack has left behind will take a long time to heal. Melissa Hortman and her husband lost their lives in an act of senseless violence, while John Hoffman and his wife are on a long road to recovery.

Minnesota and the nation have been forced to confront just how deep political divisions can cut when taken to the extreme. As officials urge civility and unity, one thing is certain: this tragedy must serve as a wake-up call about the consequences of hatred turned into action.

This story is still developing as federal prosecutors weigh their next move. But, for now, a shaken state can at least take some comfort in knowing that the man at the center of it all is behind bars.