Minnesota Man Charged in Shootings of Lawmakers and Spouses

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Authorities arrested Vance Luther Boelter on Sunday night in connection with the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses. The incidents took place over the weekend at the homes of Democratic House Leader Mark Hortman in Brooklyn Park and State Senator John Hoffman in Champlin.

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension announced that Boelter faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder. The charges were filed by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, after Boelter was alleged to have been heavily armed during the shootings.

Investigators believe the first shooting occurred at the home of Mark Hortman, where he was killed. The 911 call reporting the incident reportedly came from Hope Hoffman, who alerted authorities after her parents were shot multiple times.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as officers responded to the shooting, with multiple law enforcement agencies converging on the locations. Officials reported that Boelter encountered police between the shootings, which is currently under investigation.

Authorities suspect that a traffic stop on Saturday morning near Onamia may have involved Boelter’s family. Law enforcement stopped a vehicle that reportedly contained Boelter’s wife and three relatives. The vehicle was searched, and officials recovered a weapon, ammunition, cash, and passports, but no arrests were made.

David Carlson, Boelter’s roommate and best friend, shared a disturbing text he received from Boelter early Sunday morning, in which Boelter expressed a sense of doom and affection. Carlson, who feared for Boelter’s safety, contacted authorities after receiving the message.

Law enforcement has released images of Boelter and warned the public that he may be armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him is advised to call 911 immediately.

As investigations continue, the community remains shocked by the alleged actions of Boelter, who could face life in prison or even the death penalty if convicted.