The Alleged Shooter of Two Minnesota Lawmakers Has Been Arrested

Vance Boelter was arrested near his farm in Green Isle, Minnesota. (Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office)

Green Isle, MN – An intense manhunt for the man accused of shooting two state lawmakers and their spouses ended Sunday night in Sibley County.

57-year-old Vance Boelter surrendered to authorities amid drones and SWAT teams near his home in Green Isle. BCA Superintendent Drew Evans says, “people across the state of Minnesota and legislators that were targeted in these attacks, and they may have been listed, can breathe a sigh of relief as quickly as possible.” Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said there’s no question that this is the largest manhunt in the state’s history.

Around 7 p.m. Sunday, a Sibley County resident reported that their trail camera captured an image that was consistent with Boelter and SWAT officers and deputies were immediately deployed to the area.

Boelter is scheduled to make his first court appearance today (Mon 1:30pm) for the alleged killings of former House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife.

He is facing two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in Hennepin County. A grand jury will likely be convened to consider first-degree murder charges in the fatal shootings of the Hortmans. BCA Superintendent Evans said federal prosecutors are also preparing charges against Boelter.

The criminal complaint says three AK-47 assault rifles, and a nine-millimeter handgun were found in Boelter’s vehicle.