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Vance Boelter Arrested on State and Federal Murder Charges in Lawmaker Shootings

His arrest follows investigators’ discovery of detailed lists of Democratic targets alongside evidence of a premeditated police-impersonation attack.

A handout photo released on Sunday by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office appears to show Vance Luther Boelter in custody at an unidentified location.
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Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Drew Evans addresses media after the U.S. Attorney's Office announced plans to bring numerous federal charges, including murder, against Vance Boelter, the suspect in the shooting deaths of Democratic assemblywoman Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, Minnesota, U.S., June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Tim Evans
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Overview

  • Boelter appeared in Hennepin County court Monday facing state charges of two counts of second-degree murder and two of attempted murder and is scheduled for a federal hearing on related charges that could carry the death penalty.
  • Investigators say he disguised himself as a police officer by wearing a uniform and mask and driving an SUV equipped with police-style lights before carrying out the shootings.
  • Notebooks in his vehicle contained lists of more than 45 Democratic lawmakers and advocates along with surveillance notes and addresses gathered from people-finding websites.
  • The largest manhunt in Minnesota history mobilized over 20 SWAT teams, surveillance aircraft and hundreds of officers before Boelter surrendered in a Sibley County field without incident.
  • Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson called the crimes a politically motivated attack and said the investigation will explore Boelter’s motives and the full scope of his planning.