Vance Boelter, a known Trump supporter, was arrested after being charged with multiple politically motivated shootings around Minneapolis, according to the Daily Mail.
Boelter is accused of the murders of Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the attempted murder of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, sparking a massive manhunt following the attacks.
The attacks took place early Saturday with a sequence of violent incidents. The first occurred at Melissa Hortman's home in Champlin, where gunfire was exchanged with law enforcement as Boelter fled the scene. The wreckage of this encounter set the stage for a larger manhunt across the area.
After the initial incident at Hortman's home, Boelter targeted State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette at their residence in Brooklyn Park. The assaults appeared to be fueled by political motivations, as Boelter was subsequently discovered with items linking him to anti-abortion sentiments.
During the intense pursuit, Boelter left behind a significant clue: his abandoned vehicle on Highway 25 in Faxon Township. The vehicle's discovery included rifles, a pistol, ammunition, handmade propaganda flyers, cash, and an ominous hit list targeting advocates of abortion rights.
Among the items recovered from the car was a distinctive cowboy hat, similar to one seen in images taken by the FBI, which led to further suspicions. A bystander at the scene expressed skepticism about the hat's presence, claiming it seemed misplaced and could be misleading.
Boelter's troubling path was marked by an array of security roles that spanned several continents. His tactical knowledge might have facilitated his initial evasion. His history included serving on Minnesota’s Governor’s Workforce Development Board, indicating deep political entrenchment.
His background in security was not the only aspect under scrutiny. His connections with Republican circles were well-known, as confirmed by statements from his former roommate, David Carlson. "He was an avid Trump supporter and voted for the Republican candidate," Carlson said, showcasing Boelter's political alignment.
In a past church service video, Boelter had delivered a testimony about his Christian faith. Despite this outward religious devotion, his alleged actions contradicted these teachings, undoing the image he projected months prior.
The shootings rocked local communities, with law enforcement and political figures rallying to condemn the violence. "Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America," remarked former President Donald Trump following a briefing on the incident.
Local residents experienced firsthand the tensions that escalated with the events. Brian Liebhard, a farmer residing in the impacted area, acknowledged hearing gunshots on the night before police intervention. Though he could not attribute the sounds to the attacks, it fueled speculation among the community.
Amid the investigation, Boelter's family also came under limited suspicion. His wife, Jenny, was initially stopped by police for reviewing suspicious items, though ultimately released without charges. The event added another layer of complexity to an already convoluted case.
Hortman, known for her legislative efforts, once expressed her dedication to representing all communities, emphasizing the importance of inclusion within her policy work. "The most rewarding piece of legislation we passed - for me - is paid family and medical leave," she stated in a previous interview.
Her words, following the tragedy, represented a stark contrast to the chaos that unfolded. Encouraging unity across communities, she emphasized not limiting party representation to urban areas but including agricultural regions as well.
