Federal and local law enforcement continue their manhunt for Vance Luther Boelter, the suspect accused of fatally shooting Hortman and her husband. Boelter is also believed to have carried out a separate attack on State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home in nearby Champlin. Authorities have confirmed that both Hoffmans were shot multiple times but survived.
The shootings have sparked a multi-state alert, including in South Dakota, where authorities are focusing part of their search. On Sunday, the Sibley County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Boelter’s vehicle was located near Highway 25 and 301 Avenue in Faxon Township. Though the car was found, Boelter was not at the scene. Residents in the area were urged to use caution and keep their homes secured. A tow truck later removed a vehicle from the area, though officials have not confirmed if it was directly linked to the suspect.
Meanwhile, the FBI has added Boelter to its Most Wanted list and is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to his arrest and conviction. Surveillance images released by the FBI show Boelter impersonating a police officer and later wearing a cowboy hat at a Minneapolis business shortly after the attacks. Other photos show his home in Minneapolis boarded up. He is believed to have lived there with roommates.
Senator Amy Klobuchar shared an update on Sunday, revealing a text message she received from Yvette Hoffman. According to Yvette, her husband John was shot nine times, and she herself was struck by eight bullets. Despite the severity of their injuries, both are recovering in the hospital. “He is closer every hour to being out of the woods,” Yvette wrote. “We are gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark. There is never a place for this kind of political hate.”
Authorities have stated that both shootings were targeted, and law enforcement officials have confirmed that Boelter’s writings and statements point to extremist political motivations. Tactical teams were seen over the weekend entering properties linked to Boelter, including a residence near Green Isle, Minnesota.
Senator Klobuchar emphasized the danger posed by the suspect, warning the public not to engage him under any circumstances. “We know this man will kill again in a second,” she said. “From his writings, from his behavior, it’s clear he is unstable and extremely dangerous. Only law enforcement should approach him.”
As the search intensifies, local officials are expected to provide an update on the investigation and manhunt. The killings of two prominent state lawmakers and the targeted shootings of another legislator and his wife have stunned Minnesota’s political community and raised serious concerns about the growing threat of political violence.