MN lawmaker shooting suspect Vance Boelter arrested after manhunt

GREEN ISLE, Minn. (FOX 9) - Vance Boelter has been arrested in Green Isle, Minnesota, after what officials tell FOX 9 was the largest manhunt in Minnesota's history. 

Boelter is the suspect in the assassination of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and injured Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Rep. Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday morning. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot and injured in their Champlin home.

READ MORE: Listen: Minnesota lawmaker shootings first responders audio

Arrest of Vance Boelter

11:30 p.m.:

Gov. Tim Walz sent a statement on the arrest of Boelter: 

"After a two-day manhunt in which hundreds of law enforcement officials left their families to run into danger and deliver justice for Melissa and Mark Hortman, Vance Boelter has been apprehended.

"Boelter’s unthinkable actions ended the life of someone who shaped the core of who we are as a state. Someone who was beloved by colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Someone who sacrificed everything for public service.

"As a country we cannot become numb to this violence. We are a deeply divided nation. That has become even more clear over the last two days. The way we move forward and solve the problems facing our nation is not through hate. It is not through violence. It is through humility, and grace, and civility.

"To Melissa and Mark’s family: I cannot fathom your pain, your grief. Let us take solace in their memory, in Melissa’s legacy of selfless, pragmatic, gentle public service. The state of Minnesota grieves with you.

"To John and Yvette: we’re excited to see you at the Capitol, and the bravery you and your daughter Hope showed saved countless lives and will not be forgotten.

"To our law enforcement officers: thank you for your courage, your service, and your professionalism. You have saved lives.

"As we heal, we will not let fear win. We must now move forward in Melissa’s honor with understanding, service, and above all, a sense of one other’s humanity."

10:45 p.m.:

The Hoffman family released the following statement regarding the arrest of Boelter: 

"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, and our hearts go out to all those who knew and loved them both. We are always at our best when we unite together."

10:30 p.m.:

A press conference was held by Gov. Tim Walz and other officials. Here's what officials said:

Sen. Hoffman has had his final surgery, and is in recovery, Gov. Walz said.

Boelter was arrested in the 35600 block of 200th Street in Green Isle. He was taken into custody under a state arrest warrant. Federal officials are determining whether Boelter will face federal charges. 

The arrest of Boelter did not result in any injuries to law enforcement. 

Law enforcement set a perimeter around 200th Street using more than 20 SWAT teams, and Boelter "crawled" to authorities and was put under arrest. There was no use-of-force used by law enforcement in the arrest. 

Authorities say they are confident that Boelter committed the crimes he is charged with alone. 

9:27 p.m.:

Vance Boelter was arrested, alive. Charging documents related to the law enforcement shooting were unsealed Sunday night. 

9 p.m. - emergency alert:

Alerts sent to phones in the Green Isle area says, "MN shooter spotted on foot … in military gear and armed near the 355 block of 200th St. Lock your doors and shelter in place."

5:39 p.m. - search updates:

BCA Superintendent Drew Evans at a briefing Sunday provided an update on what they were working on, saying they continue to work on locating and taking him into custody. There are state and federal warrants for his arrest nationally. 

Boelter is not currently in custody, with Evans saying it's a "very active investigation" and they continue to conduct interviews related to his whereabouts and the prosecution related to him. 

Law enforcement searched and continues to work in Sibley County. Authorities found a hat they believed Boelter was wearing and his vehicle in the area. Evans said items were recovered from the vehicle as part of their investigation but did not reveal what was found. 

Evans said they don't know how Boelter is getting around, noting they're looking at multiple modes of transportation he may be using. They are operating as if Boelter is still alive. 

Evans said Boelter's manifesto is much more about names than it is some long document. Evans encouraged the public to not speculate about the motive, noting it's going to take time to get these answers. 

There is no indication he committed these acts with anyone, but authorities are investigating whether he's getting help from anyone else now because he's been in touch with people. 

With regard to his wife and family members being questioned during a traffic stop on Saturday, Evans said law enforcement often talks to family members as part of the investigation. They are not in custody. 

Champlin Mayor Ryan Sabas said the shooting should have never happened, but noted officials are working to bring the case to justice. He also asked anyone with information to contact your local police department or the FBI tip line. He also called for compassion as we move forward. 

Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston said prayers go out to the victims and their families.

5 p.m. :

U.S. Sen Amy Klobuchar shared an update from Yvette Hoffman, who was shot early Saturday along with her husband, Sen. John Hoffman. Yvette Hoffman noted John is almost out of the woods after being shot nine times. She was shot eight times. 

4:40 p.m.:

FOX 9 has learned MN Attorney General Keith Ellison was on Boelter’s manifesto "hit list."

U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison and U.S. Sen. Tina Smith both told FOX 9 they were also on the list.

3 p.m.:

Authorities will provide an update on the search for Boelter at 5:30 p.m. 

You can watch the briefing live in the player above, on FOX LOCAL and on FOX 9's YouTube channel.

1:49 p.m.:

Jury selection was scheduled to begin Monday in Sen. Nicole Mitchell's trial, but it has been postponed due to Saturday's shootings. There will be a continuance hearing on Zoom on Monday. 

10:50 a.m.:

An emergency alert was issued in Sibley County after Boelter's vehicle was found near Minnesota Highway 25 and 301st Avenue in Faxon Township. The suspect was not located. 

Law enforcement will be going to area residences to ask to search properties.

A large contingency of law enforcement vehicles was spotted speeding down Interstate 494 and Highway 212 toward Sibley County Sunday morning. Armored vehicles, ATVs and other law enforcement vehicles are in Faxon Township Sunday afternoon. 

Boelter's roommate told FOX 9 on Saturday he has multiple vehicles, at least three. One of Boelter's vehicles was found outside of Rep. Hortman's house in Brooklyn Park the morning of the shooting and a second vehicle was found at the Minneapolis home Boelter rented part-time. The vehicle found in Faxon Township is Boelter's third vehicle that's been discovered in the manhunt for him. 

10:40 a.m. June 15:

Authorities confirmed to FOX 9 that Boelter's wife was in a vehicle that was involved in a traffic stop on Saturday morning near Onamia. 

FOX 9 has been told that during the stop where the suspect's wife and relatives were questioned, they were found with passports and cash. Boelter's wife is not in custody, officials told FOX 9.

6:45 a.m. June 15:

Authorities are looking for 57-year-old Vance Boelter in connection with the shootings, police said. He was said to be impersonating police and wearing a rubber mask at the time of the shootings, but by 6 a.m. Saturday morning he was wearing a cowboy hat and a dark-colored shirt. 

Officials said Saturday they still didn't know if additional people are involved, but Boelter is who they're looking at as a person of interest as of Saturday afternoon. They did say there may be other people with him.

Police are asking for the public's help in locating Boelter, noting he should be considered "armed and dangerous." They also want to speak with anyone who may have had contact with him. 

The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Boelter. Boelter is described as being 6-foot-1, 220 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. 

There are hundreds of law enforcement officials involved in the manhunt for him. 

Authorities called this an "active and fluid" investigation, noting the exact motive for the shootings is unclear. 

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office said an investigation is underway and Brooklyn Park is the lead agency. The FBI is assisting in the investigation. Gov. Walz said he has activated the State Emergency Operations Center.

Several people have reportedly been detained and questioned, but no arrests have been made. 

Gov. Tim Walz has spoken to Vice President JD Vance. The governor expressed appreciation for the ongoing coordination between federal law enforcement and Minnesota.

Timeline of what happened

Timeline:

Here's a look at the timeline of what we know so far: 

About 2 a.m. on June 14

A 911 call in Champlin was made at about 2 a.m. Saturday. Police then found that Minnesota Sen. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, had been shot. Both Hoffman and his wife are recovering from gunshot wounds after undergoing surgery at the hospital. 

3:35 a.m. June 14

Brooklyn Park police officers then "proactively" went to the home of Rep. Hortman, authorities say. It was there that they encountered the suspect, who was dressed up as an officer with a fake police vehicle. The suspect opened fire on officers, but the suspect fled. In the suspect's vehicle, authorities found a manifesto with lawmakers' names on it and papers with "No Kings" written on them.

5:30 a.m. June 14

The shelter-in-place alert was sent at 5:30 a.m. by BPPD for the 3-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course.

Around 6 a.m. June 14

Vance Boelter briefly returned to a home near 49th and Fremont in Minneapolis, where he rented a room part-time. He texted two of the roommates that he had made some bad choices, he doesn't want to implicate them, and he may be dead soon. He did have vehicles at the home and broke out one of the windows, but it's unclear if he took one of those vehicles before he fled. The image of Boelter in the cowboy hat is from the surveillance cameras at this home. The renters have been allowed back inside the home.

Around 9:45 a.m. June 14

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced at a press conference that Hortman and her husband had died after being shot. Walz said they're "cautiously optimistic" about Hoffman and his wife's recovery.

Around 11 a.m. June 14

Authorities and Gov. Walz urged people to not attend any political rallies until the suspect is apprehended.

Around 11:30 a.m. June 14

Champlin authorities say there is no current threat to public safety in the city.

Sometime in the morning on June 14

Authorities confirmed to FOX 9 that Boelter's wife was in a vehicle that was involved in a traffic stop on Saturday morning near Onamia. FOX 9 has been told that during the stop where the suspect's wife and relatives were questioned, they were found with passports and cash. Boelter's wife is not in custody, officials told FOX 9.

Before 1 p.m. June 14

The Associated Press identified Vance Luther Boelter, 57, as the suspect. He was appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton in 2016 and then by Gov. Walz in 2019 to the nonpartisan workforce development board. His term expired in 2023.

About 1:30 p.m. June 14

Police clear the scene at Hoffman's house in Champlin.

Around 1:45 p.m. June 14

Police served a search warrant at a home near 49th and Fremont in Minneapolis in connection with the investigation. Authorities used battering rams to get inside. Those who are renting the home told FOX 9 Boelter was a part-time renter of a room in the home.

Around 2 p.m. on June 14

Law enforcement in Green Isle sent tactical units to a home about 5 miles southeast of town as part of the manhunt to find Boelter. Boelter has a home in Green Isle.

3 p.m. on June 14

Authorities named Vance Boelter as a "person of interest" and suspect in the case, and asked for the public's help in locating him.

3:03 p.m. on June 14

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in Minnesota to honor and remember Melissa Hortman. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to do the same, a press release said. 

"Today Minnesota lost a great leader. A formidable public servant and a fixture of the state Capitol, Melissa Hortman woke up every day determined to make our state a better place," said Gov. Walz. "She served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, and tirelessness. Minnesota’s thoughts are with her loved ones."

3:20 p.m. on June 14

Brooklyn Park authorities have cleared the shelter-in-place order. But an alert sent to people living in the area asks people to call 911 if you see something suspicious. Police will still be in the area collecting evidence. Meanwhile, Mercy Hospital remains on lockdown.

3:50 p.m. on June 14

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner released the initial reports for the Hortmans, saying Melissa Hortman, 55, and Mark Hortman, 58, both died of multiple gunshot wounds. A time of death was not listed, but the report says Mark Hortman died at North Memorial Hospital, while Melissa Hortman died at her home.

4 p.m. on June 14

The FBI is offering a $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Vance Boelter.

9 p.m. on June 14

FOX 9 confirmed Yvette Hoffman is awake and alert following the shooting.

7 a.m. on June 15

The manhunt for Vance Boelter continues into day 2. 

10:50 a.m. on June 15

An emergency alert was issued in Sibley County after Boelter's vehicle was found near Minnesota Highway 25 and 301 Avenue in Faxon Township. The suspect was not located. 

Law-enforcement will be going to area residences to ask to search properties.

5:39 p.m. on June 15

BCA Superintendent Drew Evans at a briefing Sunday provided an update on the search for Boelter, saying they continue to work on locating and taking him into custody. There are state and federal warrants for his arrest nationally. 

9 p.m. on June 15

Alerts sent to phones in the Green Isle area says, "MN shooter spotted on foot … in military gear and armed near the 355 block of 200th St. Lock your doors and shelter in place."

9:27 p.m. on June 15

Vance Boelter was arrested, alive. Charging documents related to the law enforcement shooting were unsealed Sunday night. 

10:30 p.m. on June 15

A press conference was held by Gov. Tim Walz and other officials. Here's what officials said:

Sen. Hoffman has had his final surgery, and is in recovery, Gov. Walz said.

Boelter was arrested in the 35600 block of 200th Street in Green Isle. He was taken into custody under a state arrest warrant. Federal officials are determining whether Boelter will face federal charges. 

The arrest of Boelter did not result in any injuries to law enforcement. 

Law enforcement set a perimeter around 200th Street using more than 20 SWAT teams, and Boelter "crawled" to authorities and was put under arrest. There was no use-of-force used by law enforcement in the arrest. 

Authorities say they are confident that Boelter committed the crimes he is charged with alone.

10:45 p.m. on June 15

The Hoffman family released the following statement regarding the arrest of Boelter: 

"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, and our hearts go out to all those who knew and loved them both. We are always at our best when we unite together."

Dig deeper:

Read more of FOX 9's coverage on the shootings: 

• Minnesota lawmaker shootings: Suspect Vance Boelter sought in connection to shootings
• Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband killed; Sen. John Hoffman, his wife shot in 'targeted' shootings
• MN lawmaker shootings: Vance Boelter texted roommates I may be dead soon
• MN lawmaker shootings: Timeline of what happened
• MN lawmaker shootings: Investigation leads authorities to Green Isle
• Who was Melissa Hortman, lawmaker killed in 'targeted' shooting?
• Is political violence getting worse? 
• Minnesota lawmaker shootings: Who is John Hoffman?
• FBI reward offered for information on Vance Boelter, suspect in MN lawmaker shootings
• MN lawmaker shootings: President Trump says 'such horrific violence will not be tolerated'
• Minnesota lawmaker shootings: Authorities ask public to not attend No Kings protests out of caution
• MN lawmaker shootings: No Kings papers found inside suspect's fake police car
• Minnesota lawmakers shootings: Leaders and politicians react 

News