Suspect arrested in deadly Minnesota lawmaker shootings

A man suspected in a shocking double shooting that killed one Minnesota lawmaker and injured another was taken into custody Sunday evening after a wide-ranging manhunt gripped the state for two days.

Vance Boelter, the man authorities believe is responsible for the attacks, was arrested near his home, according to the Associated Press and other reports. His capture ends a high-alert weekend that began with violence in two separate homes early Saturday morning.

Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were found dead in their residence. Just hours earlier and only about eight miles away, State Senator John Hoffman (D) and his wife Yvette were shot and injured in what authorities believe is a connected attack.

Law enforcement officials from multiple agencies worked around the clock to locate Boelter. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office called the arrest a result of “relentless and determined police work” and posted a photo of the suspect in custody, calling him “the face of evil.”

Authorities say Boelter was the subject of state and federal warrants for murder, attempted murder, and attempting to flee prosecution. The manhunt involved dozens of officers and investigators from local, state, and federal agencies, and authorities received more than 400 tips during the search.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) said the attacks appear to be politically motivated, though investigators have so far released few details on Boelter’s background or potential motive. Officials have not said what connection, if any, Boelter had to the victims.

At a press conference Sunday evening, Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, acknowledged that while the public craves simple answers in moments like these, this case is complex.

“We often want easy answers for complex problems,” Evans said, noting that investigators are working carefully to piece together evidence that spans multiple crime scenes.

Sen. Hoffman and his wife remain hospitalized. Their current conditions have not been publicly updated as of press time.

This is a developing story. Authorities say more information will be released as the investigation continues.