Witness Helps Lead Authorities to Suspect
A Minnesota woman helped authorities locate the suspect behind a series of targeted shootings that left one state lawmaker and her husband dead, and another lawmaker and his wife injured. The suspect, Vance Boelter, 57, was taken into custody near his property in Green Isle, Minnesota, late Sunday night.
Wendy Thomas spotted a person acting suspiciously in a field while on the phone with her father. After seeing the man crouch near a culvert, she alerted law enforcement. Authorities soon confirmed the individual was Boelter, ending a 43-hour manhunt involving multiple agencies.
Details of the Attack and Investigation
Federal and state officials allege that Boelter impersonated a law enforcement officer and approached the homes of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and state Sen. John Hoffman in the early hours of Saturday. Rep. Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot. Sen. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were injured.
Officials described the shootings as politically motivated. According to court documents, Boelter had compiled surveillance notes and lists of elected officials, including detailed information about Rep. Hortman’s residence. Items recovered from a property linked to Boelter included notebooks with specific references to lawmakers’ personal details and property layouts.
Authorities stated that Boelter had “stalked his victims like prey” and acted with premeditation. He faces multiple federal charges, including stalking and firearms offenses, as well as state charges for first-degree murder.
Political Leaders Respond
Minnesota leaders condemned the attack and emphasized the need to reduce political rhetoric. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan called for unity and urged public officials to demonstrate compassion and bipartisanship during this period of heightened tension.
Gov. Tim Walz echoed that message, saying, “The way our nation moves forward is not through hate or violence. It is through humility, grace, and compassion.”
President Donald Trump, however, declined to contact Gov. Walz following the incident, criticizing him instead during public comments. A spokesperson for the governor stated that Walz remains focused on helping the victims’ families and the state heal.
Congressional Security Briefings Underway
Following the revelation that Boelter had compiled a list of public officials, including members of Congress, Senate leaders held a briefing on member safety. Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota, reportedly on the suspect’s list, emphasized the importance of discretion regarding security measures.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced bipartisan support for increased funding to improve protection for elected officials, citing a rise in threats and violence targeting public figures.
Note: All details in this article are sourced from public records and statements and have been rewritten to ensure compliance with journalistic standards and copyright requirements.
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