Political Assassin Suspect Arrested in Minnesota!
Washington, June 16 (EFE).-
The suspect in the assassination and attempted assassination of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses has been arrested after a two-day manhunt, Governor Tim Walz announced on Sunday. In what are believed to be politically motivated and targeted shootings, Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot and wounded at their home in Champlin at around 2am Saturday morning.
Shortly after, lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband John were fatally shot at home in Brooklyn Park by a masked man impersonating a police officer who exchanged fire with law enforcement before escaping on foot.
Suspect Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was taken into custody Sunday night in Sibley County after the “largest manhunt in Minnesota history,” involving hundreds of local, state and federal law enforcement officers, authorities said.
Boelter was charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder, CBS reported, citing Hennepin County court records.
He was armed at the time of his arrest in woods where he was located following a tip-off, but gave himself up peacefully.
Shortly before 10 pm local time, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office posted a picture on social media showing a man being taken into custody.
“The face of evil,” the sheriff’s office wrote. “After relentless and determined police work, the killer is now in custody. Thanks to the dedication of multiple agencies working together along with support from the community, justice is one step closer.”
In a public statement announcing the capture, Governor Walz said the shooter’s “unthinkable actions ended the life of someone who shaped the core of who we are as a state.”
“We cannot become numb to this violence. We are a deeply divided nation,” Walz said. “The way we move forward and solve the problems facing our nation is not with hate. It is not through violence. It is through humility and grace, and civility.”
To the families of the victims, Walz expressed his solidarity, noting that all of Minnesota is in mourning. He also thanked law enforcement for their bravery and professionalism: “You have saved lives.”
“As we heal, we will not let fear win. We must now move forward in Melissa’s honor, with understanding, service and, above all, a sense of one another’s humanity.”
The Hoffmans are recovering from their surgeries in hospital.
On Sunday afternoon and evening, officers were searching a rural wooded area near Green Isle for Boelter.
In the driveway of the Hortman home, police had searched the suspect’s vehicle, resembling a police SUV, and discovered at least three AK-47 assault rifles, a 9mm handgun, a ballistic vest, a disassembled handgun, a mask, a gold police-style badge, and a list of dozens of public officials, believed to be possible targets, US media reported.
Boelter, a married outspoken evangelical Christian who previously served on a state board with Hoffman, has reportedly worked for food and security companies and funeral homes, and appears to have traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and become involved with evangelical churches as a preacher. EFE jmr-enb/lds-tw
