the staff of the Ridgewood blog
MINNESOTA – June 9, 2025 — The suspect behind a deadly shooting spree that targeted Minnesota state lawmakers over the weekend has been captured after a two-day manhunt, bringing temporary closure to a politically motivated attack that shocked the nation.
Vance Boelter, 57, was arrested Sunday night in Sibley County, approximately one hour from the original crime scenes, ending a tense search involving over 20 SWAT teams and hundreds of law enforcement officers.
🔺 The Attacks: One Dead, Two Wounded
Authorities say Boelter impersonated a police officer to gain access to the Brooklyn Park home of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, fatally shooting both in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The same morning, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot and wounded in nearby Champlin. Both have since undergone surgery and are expected to recover.
Officials have confirmed that Boelter is the primary suspect in both shootings and was charged with murder and attempted murder under a state criminal warrant.
📓 Motive: Political Violence Suspected
While law enforcement has yet to release full details on the motive, a notebook found in Boelter’s possession reportedly contained a list of 70 potential targets, including numerous Democratic lawmakers.
Governor Tim Walz (D) said the attack appeared to be politically motivated, especially as the victims were known advocates for abortion rights.
Authorities also recovered assault rifles and anti-Trump protest flyers from Boelter’s vehicle. In response, organizers canceled several demonstrations planned for the weekend, though some went ahead regardless.
“One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the state of Minnesota,” Governor Walz said. “This cannot be the norm — it cannot be the way we deal with our political differences.”
🚨 The Manhunt: Two Days of Fear and Tension
Boelter fled on foot after exchanging gunfire with police at the Hortman residence. Over the next 48 hours, authorities issued state and federal warrants, and more than 400 public tips poured in.
The manhunt was described as “complex and dangerous” by Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans. Authorities believed Boelter was using “various modes of transportation” to avoid capture.
He was finally located and arrested without incident late Sunday. A photo released by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office shows Boelter in a jacket, hands behind his back, surrounded by agents in an open field.
“The face of evil. After relentless and determined police work, the killer is now in custody,” the sheriff’s office posted.
🗣️ Public & Political Response
Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R) praised the capture, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
“I’m grateful that this nightmare has come to an end… so he can be charged, prosecuted, & punished for the horror he has wrought on MN.”
The shootings have reignited a national conversation about political extremism and gun violence in the U.S., especially as tensions remain high during a contentious election season.
⚖️ What’s Next
Boelter faces multiple state and federal charges, including:
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First-degree murder
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Attempted murder
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Evading prosecution
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Illegal impersonation of a police officer
More information about the suspect’s motives, the contents of the notebook, and additional charges is expected to be revealed in the coming days.
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