Photo: Alamy
Trump administration FBI Director Kash Patel expressed his gratitude early Monday after authorities arrested the man suspected in the weekend shootings that killed a former Minnesota House speaker and injured a sitting state senator and his wife.
Vance Boelter, 57, was taken into custody Sunday evening as speculation continues about Boelter’s motives and connections.
“The FBI is grateful for the coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in the arrest of the suspect in Minnesota and will continue providing our full support in the ensuing investigation,” Patel posted to X.
“Above all, we are praying for the continued recovery of the surviving victims and for the families and community members impacted by this horrific act of violence,” he added.
Former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were found dead in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday. About nine miles away, state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were seriously injured in a separate shooting at their Champlin residence.
Authorities launched a statewide manhunt for Boelter, issuing a nationwide warrant by early Sunday. Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said investigators recovered Boelter’s vehicle a few miles from his home in Green Isle and found evidence connected to the attacks.
Boelter allegedly disguised himself as a police officer, altering a vehicle to resemble a law enforcement cruiser. Investigators recovered firearms from the vehicle, and Boelter was believed to have still been armed with at least one firearm at the time of his arrest.
Near the vehicle, officials found a cowboy hat believed to belong to the suspect. Evans said Boelter’s family members, including his wife, had been interviewed and were cooperating with the investigation.
Authorities also discovered writings inside the suspect’s vehicle, including a list of about 70 names. The documents mentioned state and federal lawmakers, abortion rights advocates, and healthcare facilities. While initially described as a manifesto, Evans clarified the writings resembled a notebook with mixed thoughts, rather than a political treatise.
A Minnesota official said the list included names of lawmakers known for their support of abortion rights. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity.
