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Minnesota lawmaker shooting suspect captured

Minnesota authorities have arrested Vance Luther Boelter, 57, the suspect in the politically charged shootings that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Boelter, who had disguised himself in a faux police uniform and SUV, was captured late Sunday after a 43-hour manhunt—the largest in Minnesota’s history. Boelter was apprehended near his rural farm in Green Isle. Charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two of attempted murder, he reportedly surrendered without resistance—“crawling” toward officers deployed by a multi-agency task force including SWAT teams, state patrol, FBI, and local sheriff’s units.

Suspect in shootings of Minnesota lawmakers in custody | Luxembourg Times

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Suspect Vance Boelter in Minnesota lawmakers shooting booked in county jail  - ABC News

In a chilling twist, investigators found in Boelter’s vehicle a manifesto-style hit list naming nearly 70 Democratic politicians and pro-choice advocates. Among those targeted were Governor Tim Walz, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and abortion providers. The presence of anti-abortion rhetoric suggests his attack was ideologically motivated.

Governor Walz condemned the violence as a blow to democracy and commended the coordinated law enforcement response. Champlin canceled its Father Hennepin festival, and a memorial has blossomed at the state capitol in St. Paul in tribute to the Hortmans. Victims hospitalized in Champlin include Senator John Hoffman, who sustained nine bullet wounds, and his wife, Yvette, both currently in stable condition. Their survival stands in stark contrast to the devastating loss of Rep. Hortman and her spouse, amplifying concerns for lawmaker safety nationwide. Boelter, a once devout evangelical involved in conservative ministries and security ventures, reportedly led a double life marked by financial struggles and radical ideology. Friends described him as deep-looking but not openly extremist—an unsettling portrait that will weigh heavily as investigators probe motive and potential conspirators.

As the community grapples with shock and mourning, Minnesota lawmakers are now calling for stricter gun control measures, enhanced security for public officials, and improved mental health and threat detection systems. The spate of recent political violence—including the 2022 attack on Nancy Pelosi’s husband and the 2024 Burnsville incident—has intensified urgency for policy reform. Public outcry echoes national concerns. Senate Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described the shooting as a “wake‑up call,” while former Rep. Gabby Giffords, herself a survivor of political violence, expressed horror and grief. The capture of Boelter closes a harrowing chapter, but raises vital questions about the political climate and how democracies protect their representatives. With charges mounting, including possible federal counts, Boelter’s legal path ahead is heavy with implications for Minnesota, national politics, and the future of civil discourse. As Minnesota mourns, law enforcement, legislators, and citizens are demanding answers—and critical changes—to prevent another such tragedy. The state stands at a turning point, balancing grief with a collective call for action.

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