A man suspected of fatally shooting Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife on Saturday has been captured, according to emerging reports.
Several unidentified sources told KSTP that Vance Boelter, 57, was apprehended near his Green Isle home. Boelter’s capture came hours after a car linked to him was discovered in Sibley County, though officials have not yet spoken publicly about his arrest.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, state Rep. Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in Brooklyn Park on Saturday. Meanwhile, in Champlin, a few miles away, state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot. They remain hospitalized.
Boelter previously worked with the Minnesota government in the private sector as a representative to the Governor’s Workforce Development Council, for which he was appointed to that role by former Gov. Mark Dayton from 2016 to 2019. According to state records, he was later appointed by Gov. Tim Walz to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board as a business member until 2023.
Boelter’s friend, David Carlson, reportedly said that Boelter was experiencing financial issues and having difficulties finding work. Carlson also told KARE that Boelter sent texts to him and his friends saying, “gonna be gone for a while” and “may be dead shortly,” before the shootings occurred.
Law enforcement found belongings and other writings in Boelter’s vehicle. They also discovered a list of nearly 70 people who are believed to be possible targets, primarily Democrats or individuals affiliated with abortion rights.
The FBI issued a nationwide warrant for Boelter’s arrest. The agency was also offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
This story is developing.
* Additional reporting by Shannon Quaranta.
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[Feature Photo: FBI]
