After a two-day manhunt, authorities in Minnesota have detained a 57-year-old man accused of assassinating Democratic state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in their home early on Saturday. The suspect, Vance Boelter, is also accused of shooting and wounding state Senator John Hoffman and his wife at their home.
Authorities say Boelter carried out the shootings while disguised as a police officer. A hit list written by the gunman was later discovered. It contained the names of about 70 other potential targets, including other lawmakers and Planned Parenthood centers. Authorities also found flyers for Saturday’s “No Kings” rallies, prompting many organizers in Minnesota to cancel the protests due to safety concerns. Boelter has been described as a supporter of Donald Trump and a longtime opponent of abortion and LGBTQ rights.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz spoke on Sunday night and denounced political violence.
Gov. Tim Walz: “A moment in this country where we watch violence erupt, this cannot be the norm. It cannot be the way that we deal with our political differences. Now is the time for us to recommit to the core values of this country.”
Governor Walz has also paid tribute to Melissa Hortman, who had served as speaker of the House in Minnesota from 2019 until earlier this year. Her legislative victories included codifying the right to abortion in the state Constitution and providing free school lunches to children.