MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota public officials have expressed gratitude for the quick response of law enforcement in hunting down the suspect in the killings of a state representative and her husband, FOX News reported.
The suspect, Vance Boelter, was taken into custody in Sibley County on June 15. More than 20 local, state and federal agencies were involved in the search and arrest. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said the search for Boelter was the “largest manhunt in the state’s history.”
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Officials say Boelter, posing as a police officer, shot State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in the early morning of June 14 at their home in Champlin. Later, State Representative Melissa and Mark Hortman were fatally shot in their nearby Brooklyn Park home in what police believe was a related and targeted incident. John Hoffman remains hospitalized.
Drew Evans, superintendent of the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said the attacks could have continued had Brooklyn Park officers not checked on Hortman’s home following reports of the shootings of the Hoffmans, the Associated Press reported. The officers encountered Boelter and witnessed him firing shots, causing him to flee.
I’m grateful that this nightmare has come to an end with the suspect captured so he can be charged, prosecuted, & punished for the horror he has wrought on MN. Thank you to the local, state, & federal officials who ensured this evil man faces justice. https://t.co/KcfsF05S1J
— Lisa Demuth (@LisaDemuthMN) June 16, 2025
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and House Speaker Lisa Demuth were among those expressing gratitude for law enforcement’s swift response.
“I’m grateful that this nightmare has come to an end with the suspect captured so he can be charged, prosecuted, and punished for the horror he has wrought on Minnesota,” Demuth wrote in a statement. “Thank you to the local, state, and federal officials who ensured this evil man faces justice.”
Walz, speaking Sunday night, emphasized unity in the face of violence.
“As a country, we cannot become numb to this violence…” Walz said. “The way we move forward and solve the problems facing our nation is not through hate. It is not through violence. It is through humility, grace and civility.”
He offered condolences to the Hortman family and praised law enforcement for their response.
“To our law enforcement officers: thank you for your courage, your service and your professionalism. You have saved lives,” he said.
Thank you to all in law enforcement who worked relentlessly to locate and arrest this suspect. It was a mammoth and heroic effort.
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) June 16, 2025
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar also applauded the coordinated manhunt, calling it a “mammoth and heroic effort.”
Boelter is currently in custody at the Ramsey County Jail and is expected to face multiple charges.
