Authorities in Minnesota have confirmed the arrest of a man who was one of the most wanted fugitives in the United States. Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was taken into custody Sunday evening after what officials described as the most extensive manhunt in the state’s history. Boelter, suspected of committing a series of calculated and brutal attacks that shook the political landscape of Minnesota, was finally found hiding in rural Sibley County.
The break in the case came around 7 p.m. when a local resident in Sibley County noticed a suspicious figure on their trail camera that appeared to match Boelter’s description. That tip set off a rapid chain of events. By just after 9 p.m., an emergency alert was issued to residents near Green Isle, warning that the armed suspect had been spotted on foot, wearing military-style gear. Authorities warned the public to stay indoors and report any sightings immediately.
Despite the intense manhunt, Boelter managed to evade capture for nearly another hour. He used the dense woods near his former home to hide. Eventually, he surrendered to law enforcement without a struggle. According to police reports, he crawled out of the woods toward the responding officers, announced his identity, and allowed himself to be taken into custody. Officers confirmed that he was armed at the time, though they did not publicly identify the type of weapon in his possession. Boelter was transported to an undisclosed location for questioning, where he remains in custody.
The arrest follows a weekend of violence that authorities believe was carefully premeditated. Boelter is accused of posing as a law enforcement officer, donning tactical police-style gear, and driving a Ford SUV equipped with flashing emergency lights. Using this disguise, he carried out coordinated attacks at the homes of two high-profile Minnesota political figures. The victims included Speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, both of whom were tragically killed. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, were also critically injured but survived despite multiple gunshot wounds.
The timeline of events began early Saturday morning. Around 2:05 a.m., Boelter arrived at the Hoffman residence in Champlin. Surveillance footage captured him announcing himself as a police officer. Once inside, he opened fire, shooting both John and Yvette Hoffman multiple times. Incredibly, they both survived the attack, though they sustained serious injuries.
Only ninety minutes later, Boelter appeared at the Hortman home in Brooklyn Park. Officers responding to the scene were present as Boelter reportedly fired through the front door, fatally striking Mark Hortman. Melissa Hortman was also killed in the incident. Authorities pronounced both victims dead at the scene.
Following Boelter’s arrest, law enforcement revealed chilling details about what they discovered in his vehicle. Along with tactical gear, officers found three AK-47 assault rifles, a 9mm handgun, a bulletproof vest, and a list of names and addresses belonging to other public officials. Also found in the car were signs that read “No Kings,” a slogan often associated with anti-government and extremist groups.
“This was a clear abuse of authority and an attack on the democratic values we stand for,” said Bob Jacobson of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. “Boelter used the appearance of law enforcement to exploit the public’s trust. Our uniforms are symbols of safety and justice. He turned that symbol into a tool of fear.”
The FBI and state authorities are continuing their investigation, searching for any accomplices or other threats that may remain. Thus far, they believe Boelter acted alone, though his possession of a detailed list of targets has led to increased security for Minnesota officials. The extent of his planning, including weapon stockpiling and impersonating law enforcement, has led authorities to describe the incident as domestic terrorism.
Boelter has been charged with four felony counts, including second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder. Each count carries a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison. His bail has been set at \$5 million.
On Sunday, Yvette Hoffman made her first public statement since the attack. In a message shared by Senator Amy Klobuchar, Yvette wrote, “John is enduring many surgeries right now and is closer every hour to being out of the woods. He took nine bullet hits. I took eight. We are both incredibly lucky to be alive. We are gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark. There is never a place for this kind of political hate.”
During a Sunday press conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz praised the bravery of the Hoffman family. In particular, he credited the couple’s daughter, Hope, with helping prevent further loss of life. “The heroic actions by the Hoffman family and their daughter Hope saved countless lives,” the governor said. He also confirmed that Senator Hoffman had just come out of surgery and was showing signs of recovery.
In a statement shared on social media, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office described Boelter as “the face of evil.” The department thanked all law enforcement agencies involved in the search and emphasized the significance of capturing the suspect without further harm to the community. “After relentless and determined police work, the killer is now in custody,” the post read. “Justice is one step closer.”
As the investigation continues, Minnesotans are left reeling from the shock and devastation caused by the attacks. The political community has united in grief, offering support to the Hoffman family and honoring the lives of Melissa and Mark Hortman. While many questions remain, including Boelter’s full motive and whether other public figures were at risk, one thing is clear: the tragedy has sparked a renewed conversation about political violence and the need to protect those who serve in public office.
