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Suspect Held After Politically Motivated Killing of Minnesota Lawmaker and Husband

An ongoing investigation into possible extremist links to the weekend attack drives calls to tighten security for elected officials.

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A memorial is seen on the desk of state Rep. Melissa Hortman in the House chambers at the Minnesota State Capitol on Monday.
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Police tape blocks off the home of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman, Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Brooklyn Park, Minn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Overview

  • Vance Boelter was arrested after a 43-hour manhunt and now faces federal murder and stalking charges plus state second-degree murder counts for the June 14 shootings that killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and wounded Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
  • Investigators found notebooks and documents in Boelter’s vehicle naming dozens of Democratic lawmakers, abortion rights advocates and Illinois politicians as potential targets.
  • Authorities say they have uncovered no manifesto but believe the assault was planned over months and are probing whether Boelter had any help or outside guidance.
  • Lawmakers from both parties have called on House leadership and federal agencies to expand security funding, increase protective details and provide around-the-clock measures for elected officials.
  • Brooklyn Park police reported a break-in at the Hortman residence days after the double homicide but confirmed that all evidence related to the shootings had already been collected and nothing of evidentiary value was taken.