FBI arrests suspect in Minnesota lawmaker assassination

Vance Boelter shot and killed Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark at their Brooklyn Park home on Jun. 14, 2025.

Boelter shot State Senator John Hoffman nine times and his wife Yvette eight times at their Champlin home at approximately 2 a.m. the same morning; both survived.

Investigators found a list of approximately 70 potential targets in Boelter black Ford Explorer, including Governor Tim Walz, Representative Ilhan Omar, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and abortion providers.

Boelter obtained victims addresses using 11 registered data broker websites, with notebooks documenting which sites were free and what information they required.

Law enforcement conducted a 43-hour manhunt—the largest in Minnesota history—involving 20 SWAT teams, FBI, ATF, and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

The FBI offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter arrest.

Law enforcement arrested Boelter in a field in Green Isle, Minnesota, approximately one mile from his residence, at 9:15 p.m. on Jun. 15, 2025.

Boelter disguised himself as a police officer using body armor, tactical vest, hyper-realistic silicone mask, and drove a retired police Ford Explorer with flashing lights.

Federal prosecutors charged Boelter with two counts of stalking, two counts of murder through use of firearm, and two counts of firearms offenses.

Minnesota state prosecutors charged him with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson confirmed Boelter did not leave a manifesto, only scattered writings and a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel.