Belle Plaine (Minnesota): The man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another crawled to officers in surrender Sunday after they located him in the woods near his home, bringing an end to a massive, nearly two-day search that put the entire state on edge. Vance Boelter, 57, was apprehended in Sibley County -- a rural region approximately an hour southwest of Minneapolis -- following what officials described as the largest manhunt in the state’s history.

Boelter is accused of impersonating a police officer before fatally shooting Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their home early on Saturday.

Governor confirms arrest after statewide manhunt

Governor Tim Walz confirmed the arrest during a late-night press briefing, saying: “After two sleepless nights, law enforcement have apprehended Vance Boelter.” The extensive search effort involved 20 SWAT teams and multiple law enforcement agencies. “One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the state of Minnesota,” the governor added.

Boelter was taken into custody without resistance, according to Jeremy Geiger, Assistant Chief of the Minnesota State Patrol.

Politically motivated attack

Investigators discovered a notebook in a vehicle left at the scene, listing the names of other elected officials and potential targets. While not a conventional manifesto, officials believe the killings were politically driven.

“There’s a clear throughline with abortion, based on the groups and individuals that were listed,” said Senator Klobuchar. “That appears to have been one of his motivations.”

Melissa Hortman, who served as Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2019 to January 2025, was a prominent advocate for reproductive rights.

Boelter’s background and private security ties

According to Time, Boelter had previously served on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board alongside Senator Hoffman. However, authorities have yet to determine the nature of his relationship with the Hortmans, and no direct connection has been confirmed.

Boelter reportedly lived near Green Isle, Minnesota. He worked at a funeral home and legally owned multiple firearms. He is listed as the Chief Executive Officer of Red Lion Group, a private security organisation, and also serves as Director of Security Patrols at Praetorian Guard Security Services. Both companies use vehicles resembling American police cruisers. His wife, Jenny, is named as the president of one of the businesses.