A person suspected of committing the fatal shooting of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her spouse, as well as injuring state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, has been taken into custody as per recent reports.
According to various undisclosed sources speaking to KSTP, Vance Boelter, aged 57, was seized close to his residence in Green Isle. The arrest of Boelter happened subsequent to the discovery of a vehicle associated with him in Sibley County. However, authorities have not yet made official statements regarding his apprehension.
As previously reported by CrimeOnline, state Rep. Hortman and her spouse were tragically shot and killed in Brooklyn Park on Saturday. Concurrently, in Champlin, located just a short distance away, state Sen. John Hoffman and his spouse were also victims of gunfire. They are presently receiving medical care in a hospital.
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.
[Feature Photo: FBI]
