Manhunt over — Boelter in custody
The manhunt that has taken place since early Saturday morning ended Sunday evening with the successful capture of Vance Luther Boelter, 57. Reports indicate that Boelter was located by trail cam and drone camera technology as he hid in a cornfield near his Sibley County home. Law enforcement surrounded him and he gave up without incident at approximately 9:15 pm.
Boelter is charged in Hennepin County with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder for his heinous attacks on two prominent Minnesota legislators and their spouses early Saturday. We can expect a grand jury to significantly enhance these charges in the near future.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home, while Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were seriously wounded in shootings at their home in Champlin. Boelter dressed as a police officer to trick the victims into opening their doors, then shot them like a coward once he had gained entry and ensured they were not armed. His despicable action will tragically impact the public’s trust in law enforcement, making the jobs of our law enforcement officers that much more difficult.
Law enforcement sources have confirmed that Boelter left behind at the Hoffman residence a list of approximately 70 other potential targets. Law enforcement sources I’ve spoken with confirm that a small number of these targets have reported that someone had come to their residences on early Saturday as well, but that they didn’t answer the door.
KARE 11 has reported the following:
According to the criminal complaint, officers “located at least three AK-47 assault rifles, a 9mm handgun, as well as a list of names and addresses of other public officials. Officers canvassed the surrounding area and located a ballistic vest, a disassembled 9mm firearm, a mask, and a gold police-style badge.”
We cannot confirm what the motive behind the shootings was. However, a manifesto was found at Sen. Hoffman’s home, which included up to 70 names, mostly of current and former Democratic officials, sources told KARE 11’s Lou Raguse, along with names and locations associated with abortion rights.
Boelter’s arrest ends one segment of this horrendous event. The coming days and weeks will reveal the extent of the horror Boelter inflicted and the horror he intended to inflict. Given the nature of these incidents, it’s difficult for me to believe this was Boelter’s first foray.
None of it makes sense, nor should it.
Photo Credit: Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher