Suspect Arrested in Shooting of Minnesota Lawmakers

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This image, released by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, depicts Vance Luther Boelter, 57, the alleged shooter involved in the deaths of a Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker and her spouse, while in custody at an undisclosed location. The photo was released on June 15, 2025. — Reuters

Authorities report the same shooter previously targeted another lawmaker.
Hoffman is undergoing surgery after being struck by nine bullets.
A target list “included abortion providers,” according to Minnesota Democrats.

MINNEAPOLIS: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the arrest of a 57-year-old suspect on Sunday in connection with the shootings of a Democratic state lawmaker and her husband, who were both fatally shot while the assailant posed as a police officer.

This arrest followed an extensive manhunt after the tragic incident involving Melissa Hortman, the leading Democrat in the Minnesota House, and her husband, Mark. Governor Walz referred to the incident as a “politically motivated assassination.”

Officials stated that Vance Luther Boelter, the suspect, is believed to have also shot and injured another Democratic lawmaker, State Senator John Hoffman, along with his wife, Yvette, at their home nearby.

According to Walz, Hoffman, who was struck nine times, is on the road to recovery following his recent surgery.

Boelter reportedly has ties to evangelical ministries and has claimed expertise in security, including experience in the Gaza Strip and Africa, based on his online profiles and public records reviewed by Reuters.

A Hennepin County criminal complaint revealed that Boelter has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder, with three of those charges carrying potential prison sentences of up to 40 years.

Upon searching Boelter’s SUV after the attacks, law enforcement discovered three AK-47 rifles, a 9-mm handgun, and a list of other public officials that included their addresses, as indicated in the complaint.

This incident marks yet another instance of escalating political violence in the U.S., joining a troubling series that includes a 2022 assault on Nancy Pelosi’s husband, a failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and an arson attack at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in April.