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In a dramatic turn of events that has left Minnesota—and much of the nation—shocked and on edge, authorities confirmed the arrest of Vance Luther Boelter, the 57-year-old man accused of carrying out fatal shootings targeting top Minnesota lawmakers. Boelter was taken into custody near Green Isle in Sibley County, ending an intense manhunt that spanned nearly 36 hours.
Arrest in the Woods
According to multiple law enforcement sources and eyewitness reports, Boelter was first spotted near a residence in Green Isle. Dressed entirely in black and carrying a backpack, he was seen fleeing into a wooded area. His movements were erratic—at one point, witnesses say he curled into a fetal position before crawling through thick brush in an attempt to evade detection.
A drone unit deployed by the police located Boelter hiding in the underbrush. Upon noticing the surveillance drone overhead, Boelter raised his hands and surrendered to officers without resistance.
A Chilling Crime
Boelter is accused of committing two separate violent attacks in the early hours of Saturday, June 15. According to authorities, he first targeted the home of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in Brooklyn Park, fatally shooting both.
Shortly afterward, Boelter allegedly moved to another location, where he shot State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. While Senator Hoffman and his wife survived, they sustained critical injuries and remain hospitalized.
The attacks have shaken the state’s political landscape and raised serious concerns about the safety of elected officials.
Who is Vance Luther Boelter?
While many are asking what led to this shocking act of violence, Boelter’s background adds a chilling layer to the story. He is a former security contractor with experience in conflict zones and had held state-appointed positions in Minnesota.
In 2016, he was appointed to the Governor’s Workforce Development Council by former Governor Mark Dayton, and in 2019, current Governor Tim Walz appointed him to the Workforce Development Board. These roles suggest Boelter was once a trusted figure in public policy circles.
The Manifesto and “Hit List”
During a press conference, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley revealed that investigators discovered a manifesto inside Boelter’s vehicle after the attacks. The document included a disturbing list of names, including top Minnesota leaders like Governor Tim Walz, Representative Ilhan Omar, Senator Tina Smith, and Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Alongside the manifesto, law enforcement recovered:
- A bag full of ammunition
- Flyers bearing the phrase “No Kings,” suggesting an anti-establishment motive
- Targeted mentions of abortion providers and pro-abortion rights activists
Political and Public Reactions
The arrest has ignited widespread outrage and fear among political leaders and the public. Calls for increased security for public officials have intensified, especially given the scale of the recovered hit list.
“This is a direct attack on our democracy,” said a spokesperson for Governor Walz. “We will not allow violence and hate to silence public service.”
On social media, users expressed both sorrow for the victims and alarm over the deepening political tensions. Hashtags like #JusticeForHortman and #MinnesotaStrong have been trending.
What Happens Next?
Boelter is expected to face multiple charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and terroristic threats. Authorities are still investigating whether he acted alone or if others were involved in planning the attacks.
The FBI and state law enforcement agencies are now working closely to assess the wider implications of the manifesto and its potential threats to public figures.
A Wake-Up Call for America
As the community mourns the loss of Rep. Hortman and her husband, and hopes for the recovery of Senator Hoffman and his wife, this tragedy has underscored the urgent need for security reforms and deeper mental health assessments for those with access to firearms and public institutions.
Stay tuned to Buzzmotto.com for the latest updates on this developing story.