A 57-year-old man has been arrested in Minnesota, United States, after being accused of killing a Democratic lawmaker and her husband in what authorities are calling a politically motivated attack.
The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, was arrested on Sunday night after a large two-day manhunt. He is believed to have shot and killed Melissa Hortman, a long-serving member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, and her husband, Mark Hortman.
He also allegedly shot and injured Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Both survivors are being treated in the hospital and are said to be awake and recovering.
Speaking on Sunday, Mrs Hoffman said, “We are incredibly lucky to be alive.”
Boelter was found armed in a rural area west of Minneapolis but surrendered peacefully when police confronted him. The arrest took place in Sibley County, around 80 kilometres from the crime scene in Brooklyn Park.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the killing as a “politically motivated assassination” and an “unspeakable act” that has shaken the entire state.
“This cannot be the norm. It cannot be the way that we deal with our political differences,” Governor Walz said during a press conference.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also spoke after the arrest, praising law enforcement for their courage.
“Political violence is abhorrent. It cuts against the moral fabric of our democracy,” he said. “Those who commit these acts must be held responsible.”
Officials say Boelter had once worked on the same workforce development board as Senator Hoffman. He has a background in security work and religious missions in Africa and the Middle East. Online records also show he once preached in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Investigators found a list of “targets” in the vehicle linked to the suspect. While officials did not release the names on the list, US media reports said it may have included Governor Walz, congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and state attorney general Keith Ellison.
Drew Evans, head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said the list was not a full “manifesto” but did contain names of individuals, prompting police to alert neighbouring states such as Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, and Iowa.
Boelter is also accused of pretending to be a police officer during the attack and exchanging gunfire with officers before fleeing.
Melissa Hortman served in the Minnesota House for 20 years and was Speaker of the House from 2019 to 2025. Her sudden death has left her colleagues and constituents in shock.
Police say they are not looking for any other suspects at this time.
