Minnesota Manhunt Ends with Murder Charges for Lawmaker Killings

Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old man from Minnesota, was arrested after a massive two-day manhunt for the targeted shootings of two Democratic lawmakers, Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, and their spouses. Boelter, who allegedly posed as a police officer during the attacks, fatally shot Hortman and her husband and wounded Hoffman and his wife. Authorities found multiple firearms, including assault rifles and a handgun, as well as a list of public officials' names and addresses in Boelter's vehicle. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office charged Boelter with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder, with intentions to pursue first-degree murder charges requiring a grand jury proceeding. The case has been described as a politically motivated assassination, prompting a significant response from Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. Federal authorities are also considering charges against Boelter, who surrendered to police after crawling out of the woods near his home following a large-scale search involving tactical teams and helicopters.