Minnesota shootings: Suspect Vance Boelter’s religious life in focus as investigators probe motive
Boelter, 57, is suspected of fatally shooting Democratic state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, then leading police on a two-day chase in Minnesota
Vance Boelter, 57, who is suspected of fatally shooting Minnesota Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and wounding Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, has been charged with state and federal crimes.
A two-day manhunt for Boelter, described as the largest in the state’s history, ended with his arrest late on Sunday.
He has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder by the state, which intends to upgrade the counts to first-degree murder. Federal charges include firearm offenses, stalking, and murder, potentially making this a death penalty case. He is being held on $5 million bail and is scheduled to return to court on June 27.
Authorities discovered “voluminous” written material in Boelter's car and home, including plans, lists of names, and surveillance research targeting elected officials.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson stated that Boelter had compiled a list of 45 state and federal elected officials – all Democrats – and had researched their backgrounds and those of their families. On the night of the shootings, Boelter allegedly impersonated a police officer and also visited the homes of two other lawmakers.
Vance Boelter in custody after two-day manhunt in shootings of Minnesota Democratic lawmakers
Roommate claims suspected Minnesota shooter was ‘down’ and security business ‘wasn’t a reality’
How the ‘politically motivated’ shooting of Minnesota lawmakers unleashed right-wing conspiracy theories
Many lawmakers on list of suspected Minnesota shooter vow not to bow down
What you need to know today
- Vance Boelter is in custody after a two-day manhunt for allegedly fatally shooting Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
- Boelter faces state charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder, as well as federal charges including firearm offenses, stalking, and murder, potentially leading to a death penalty case.
- Authorities found plans, lists of names, and surveillance research targeting 45 state and federal elected officials—all Democrats—in Boelter's car and home, and he allegedly impersonated a police officer during the shootings.
- Republican Senator Mike Lee faced criticism for mocking the shootings on social media.
- President Trump stated he would not call “whacked out” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz after the incident. Vice President JD Vance has spoken with the governor.
- Lawmakers targeted in Boelter’s writings have vowed not to be intimidated, and the Hoffmans have expressed gratitude for law enforcement and condemned political violence in a statement.
- In Congress, lawmakers are being briefed by the Capitol Police about safety concerns.
Minnesota state senator says shooter was parked near her home
Senator Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope) released the following statement Monday:
I have been made aware that the shooting suspect was parked near my home early Saturday morning. I am so grateful for the heroic work of the New Hope Police Department and its officers. Their quick action saved my life.
I am also thankful for the work of state and local law enforcement to apprehend the suspect before he could take any more lives.
While I am thankful the suspect has been apprehended, I grieve for the loss of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and I am praying for the recovery of John and Yvette Hoffman.
Roommate claims suspected Minnesota shooter was ‘down’ and security business ‘wasn’t a reality’
A man who lived with Vance Luther Boelter, suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses on Saturday, said his lifelong friend had been “down” lately after returning from a trip.
David Carlson told reporters over the weekend that he’s known Boelter since the fourth grade and considered him a best friend. He said the two occasionally shared a rental near Minneapolis because it was close to their workplaces.
Ariana Baio reports.
Suspected Minnesota shooter’s friend says he was ‘not as upbeat’ after recent trip
Calls for Sen. Mike Lee to resign over social media posts
Utah Senator Mike Lee sparked outrage over the weekend and calls for his resignation over social media posts that baselessly claim the man charged with targeting Minnesota lawmakers in shootings during the weekend has ties to the political left.
One post read: “This is what happens (w)hen Marxists don't get their way.”
Another said, “Nightmare on Waltz Street,” in a misspelled reference to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
In another post about the shootings, Lee called Marxism “a deadly mental illness.”
Shooting suspect Vance Boelter has since been confirmed to hold deeply conservative religious and political views, with his roommate telling CBS News that he is a Trump supporter.
“I've condemned what Mike Lee did here at home, and I will speak to him about this. … This is not a laughing matter,” Senator Amy Klobuchar told Morning Joe on MSNBC.
“He must resign or the Senate must expel him. It's that simple,” the Elevate Utah PAC wrote on Bluesky.
Former RNC chair Michael Steele posted on X: “Grow the hell up.”
House Republicans held 'tense' call with police over safety fears after shooting
In Washington, senators will be briefed by law enforcement officials on Tuesday about safety and security, following the assassination of Minnesota State Rep Melissa Hortman and her husband over the weekend and the shooting of State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
ABC News reports that on Saturday, House Republicans held a conference call with the House Sergeant at Arms and the U.S. Capitol Police to discuss their concerns. The call was described as “tense.”
The key source of contention, in particular, was the request for police to be outside their homes at all times. Law enforcement authorities say they need more funding from Congress to provide that.
Boelter bail set at $5m in state court
While Vance Boelter made an appearance at the federal court today, he did not appear at the state court.
During the proceeding, the state court judge issued a bench warrant for Boelter and set bail at $5 million.
Boelter remains in federal custody and no court date was set for a return to state court.
John and Yvette Hoffman 'humbled' by outpouring of support
Minnesota state Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette gave the following statement to CNN affiliate WCCO.
First and foremost, John and I hold a deep and profound gratitude for the work of our law enforcement agencies and the public for their help in bringing the suspect to justice, while diligently keeping our communities safe during this extremely difficult and senseless event.
John and I are both incredibly lucky to be alive. We continue our healing journey and are humbled by the outpouring of love and support our family has received from across the state and our nation.
There is never a place for senseless political violence and loss of life. We are devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark [Hortman], and our hearts go out to all those who knew and loved them both. We are always at our best when we unite together.
Klobuchar's office confirms she was on suspect's target list
The office of Minnesota Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar has confirmed that she was one of the elected officials named as a potential target in the suspect’s notebooks, The New York Times reports.
The lists made by Vance Boelter included other Democratic politicians across several states, as well as community leaders and Planned Parenthood centers.
Memorial honors slain state lawmaker
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