Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old Minnesota man, was arrested Sunday night after allegedly killing Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette in separate attacks early Saturday morning.
Boelter posed as a police officer and drove a Ford SUV equipped with police lights to carry out the shootings, according to police. He wore body armor resembling a law enforcement uniform during the attacks.
The shootings began at the Champlin home of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. Boelter then allegedly drove to the Brooklyn Park home of House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, where both victims were killed. Police arrived at the scene and exchanged gunfire with Boelter before he escaped on foot, leaving his fake police vehicle behind.
Inside the abandoned Ford SUV, registered in Boelter’s name, police discovered what they described as a cache of weapons. The arsenal included at least three AK-47 assault rifles and a 9mm handgun. Officers also found a manifesto containing about 70 names and addresses of other public officials, according to two law enforcement officials.
Police discovered flyers with the phrase “No Kings” in the vehicle, referencing protests planned for Saturday against the Trump administration.
Authorities have refused to release the manifesto, to the frustration of critics —
🚨Minnesota officials are still refusing to release Minnesota shooter Vance Boelter’s manifesto, saying it doesn’t contain anything meaningful.
Why not just release it then?
pic.twitter.com/Dptpcehx2h— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 15, 2025
Former congressman Dean Phillips, who ran against former President Joe Biden in the 2024 Democratic primary, confirmed his name appeared on the list found in Boelter’s car.
“As someone whose name was on his list, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Minnesota’s law enforcement professionals,” Phillips wrote on X. “Now, we must take steps to prevent political violence before it’s too late.”
The arrest followed what officials called the largest manhunt in Minnesota state history. Police said they received around 400 tips during the two-day search.
Investigators said eye witnesses spotted Boelter hiding in Sibley County, where they found his vehicle and a hat believed to be his. He was eventually spotted by a drone and surrendered to police in woods near Green Isle, Minnesota.
The Hennepin County District Court charged Boelter with four felony counts of second-degree murder with intent, though not premeditated. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of three years due to the use of a firearm.
Boelter has connections to Minnesota’s Democratic leadership. Governor Tim Walz appointed him in 2019 to serve a four-year term on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board. He previously served on the Governor’s Workforce Development Council in 2016 during Governor Mark Dayton’s administration.
Both Hortman and Hoffman are Democrats. Hortman served as Minnesota House Speaker, while Hoffman represents his district in the state senate.