
A 57-year-old individual was apprehended in Minnesota, suspected of the murder of Democratic state legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. This arrest concluded a massive two-day manhunt, which followed the tragic incident, with Governor Tim Walz labeling it a “politically motivated assassination.”
The suspect, identified as Vance Luther Boelter, was found armed but surrendered without incident in a rural area west of Minneapolis. Additionally, Boelter has been accused of wounding Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, both of whom are recovering in a hospital after being struck by numerous bullets. Mrs. Hoffman expressed their relief at surviving the attack, stating that they are devastated by the Hortmans’ deaths.
Boelter faces serious charges, including two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder, with his court appearance scheduled for Monday afternoon. A former political appointee with ties to the state workforce development board, Boelter’s motives remain unclear, although indications suggest political motivations. Governor Walz condemned the violence as unacceptable, asserting it cannot become a standard response to political disagreements.
The extensive manhunt, reportedly the largest in Minnesota’s history, involved air and SWAT teams, and officials confirmed no injuries were sustained by law enforcement during the arrest. Investigators also discovered a list of potential targets in Boelter’s vehicle, prompting alerts to authorities in neighboring states. Mrs. Hoffman shared updates on her husband’s condition, expressing hope as he undergoes multiple surgeries.
Source: www.bbc.com