Updates by Chris Larson and Ken Duffy
(12:41pm Monday) The Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota says Vince Boelter allegedly went to the homes of two other lawmakers on the night of the shootings, but both of those lawmakers were not at home at the time
The lawmakers were not named, but both live in Maple Grove and New Hope.
(11:20am Monday) Acting Minnesota U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson says his office filed a 20-page federal complaint and affidavit against Vance Boelter, who is now indicted on 6 federal criminal counts connected to the killings, some of which carry a sentence of life in prison if convicted
That’s on top of the charges filed by Hennepin County District Court charging Boelter with four felony counts of second-degree murder with intent
(Original story below)
ST PAUL, MINN – The search for the person who is suspected to have killed Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, along with injuring Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, is over.
“After a two-day manhunt, two sleepless nights, law enforcement have apprehended Vance Bolter,” Governor Tim Walz said in a Sunday night press conference.
Boelter was captured by authorities late Sunday night in Sibley County, Minn., after a nearly two-day manhunt.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers worked to find Boelter.
He was found near his home in Green Isle, Minn. Authorities say he was seen in the area – bringing a myriad of SWAT teams to the area, and subsequently, the arrest happened.
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Superintendent Drew Evans says officers were searching in the 35600 block of 200th Street in Green Isle after information was provided that Boelter had been seen in the area.
“When that information was provided to the investigators that were conducting the ground search, they converged on the area with a number of SWAT teams with the assistance of the air wing from Minnesota State Patrol,” he said.
Minnesota Commissioner of Public Safety, Bob Jacobson, credited the work between law enforcement partners.
“The coordination between state, local, and federal law enforcement partners is the reason we are here tonight and the suspect is in custody,” he said. “We want to thank community members across the state for their support, for their tips, and their information. And I want to thank Governor Walz for his continued support through this very difficult time.”
Boelter is accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer, wearing a vest, long sleeved shirt and badge to carry out the shootings.
“Bolter exploited the trust our uniforms are meant to represent,” Jacobson said. “That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility.”
The apprehension came 43 hours after the crimes were committed, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said.
“There’s no question that this is the largest manhunt in the state’s history,” he said.
Minnesota State Patrol Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Geiger said special response teams were on the scene.
“Several partner law enforcement SWAT teams positioned to form a perimeter at that point in time,” he said. The suspect crawled to law enforcement teams and was placed under arrest at that point in time.
No use-of-force was needed.
Walz says the Hoffmans are recovering following surgery.
