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

Trump mocks idea of calling Minnesota governor after murder of state Democrats

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.

Key points

• Vance Boelter in custody over shootings of Minnesota Democratic lawmakers after two-day manhunt
• Trump refuses to call 'whacked out' Gov Tim Walz after death of state lawmaker and friend
• 'Heartbroken and devastated': Children of slain lawmaker Melissa Hortman issue statement
• Minnesota senator confronts Repulican colleague Mike Lee over posts mocking shootings
• Lawmakers on list of suspected Minnesota shooter vow not to bow down
• Congress holding emergency briefings on security for lawmakers in wake of shootings

[18 June 2025 01:00 · Mike Bedigan]

Vance Boelter's religious life in focus as investigators probe motive

The religious beliefs of Vance Boelter, the man suspected of killing Democratic Senator Melissa Hortman and her husband, is now under scrutiny as detectives search for the motive behind the horrendous incident.

The Atlantic reports that it involves his contact with the Christian movement New Apostolic Reformation – whose leaders “speak of spiritual warfare, an army of God, and demon-possessed politicians.”

The outlet reports that Boelter may have been exposed to the ideas of the NAR while attending the Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas.

[18 June 2025 02:00 · Mike Bedigan]

Children of murdered Minnesota lawmaker release statement instructing people how to ‘honor’ their parents’ lives

The adult children of the late Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman have spoken out after the killing of their mom in a “politically motivated assassination.”

Sophie and Colin Hortman said in a lengthy statement to multiple news outlets, "We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents, Melissa and Mark. They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can’t believe they are gone. Their love for us was boundless. We miss them so much.”

Erin Keller has the full story:

[18 June 2025 03:00 · Mike Bedigan]

Suspect allegedly used 11 data brokers to help find info on taragets

Minnesota shooting suspect Vance Boelter allegedly used 11 data brokers, companies that gather and sell people’s information, including addresses, emails and phone numbers, to create a list of targets, according to court documents.

According to the documents, obtained by Politico, police found the names of the brokers in the suspect’s car after the shootings.

Officers also found a list of dozens of state and federal lawmakers, and their addresses, the outlet reported.

[18 June 2025 04:42 · Samantha Beech]

Our live coverage has paused. Here's a full breakdown

• 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.