Minnesota [US], June 17 (HBTV): The suspect in the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers was arrested on Sunday following a nearly 43-hour-long manhunt, US police said, according to local media reports.
Police identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, who was taken into custody near his farm in Green Isle, Minnesota. He was spotted on a trail camera and subsequently apprehended, authorities confirmed during a press conference.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley described the operation as the ‘largest manhunt in the state's history,’ involving hundreds of detectives and 20 different SWAT teams. A local resident’s trail camera captured an image resembling the suspect, which alerted law enforcement to the area. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, infrared technology, drones, and helicopters were used in the search.
Boelter is accused of fatally shooting Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband at their home in Brooklyn Park on Saturday. He also allegedly attacked state Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette at their residence in Champlin. The Hoffmans are currently recovering in hospital.
Authorities believe Boelter gained entry to the lawmakers’ homes by impersonating a police officer, even arriving in a vehicle resembling a police cruiser, complete with flashing emergency lights. The ABC News report cited law enforcement officials who said that a ‘target list’ was found in the suspect’s abandoned vehicle. The list allegedly included prominent Minnesota Democrats such as Governor Tim Walz, US Representative Ilhan Omar, US Senator Tina Smith, and Attorney General Keith Ellison.
After an officer reportedly saw Boelter fleeing into the woods in rural Sibley County, law enforcement set up a large-scale perimeter. Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Col. Jeremy Geiger said Boelter was eventually called out of hiding and crawled toward officers before being taken into custody.
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Superintendent Drew Evans stated that the attacks could have continued if police had not proactively visited Rep. Hortman’s residence following the Champlin shooting.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by the Minnesota Star Tribune, Boelter faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder. If convicted for the murders, he could receive up to 40 years per charge, with a minimum of three years each. For the attempted murders, he could face up to 20 years for each charge.
Authorities believe Boelter wore a latex mask during the attacks. His online biography reportedly describes him as a husband and father with a background in security and military training.
(ANI)