In a shocking turn of events, Minnesota lawmakers are reeling after the arrest of Vance Boelter, the suspected gunman behind a deadly attack that left former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband dead, and injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. The two-day manhunt came to a dramatic conclusion Sunday night in Sibley County, southwest of Minneapolis, where law enforcement apprehended the 57-year-old suspect without incident.

Authorities believe Boelter acted alone, donning a mask and a fake police uniform during the harrowing assault that unfolded at the lawmakers’ homes early Saturday. The brazen attack not only exploited the trust associated with law enforcement but also resulted in a fierce exchange of gunfire with police, allowing Boelter to initially evade capture. His vehicle, later searched by investigators, revealed a chilling list of potential targets, amplifying fears of further violence.

This unprecedented manhunt marks one of the largest in Minnesota’s history, with multiple agencies collaborating to bring the suspect to justice. As the state grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, former U.S. Representative Dean Phillips, whose name appeared on Boelter’s list, expressed profound gratitude to law enforcement for their swift action.

Boelter now faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder, with a court appearance scheduled for Monday. As the community seeks answers and healing, the chilling implications of this attack linger, underscoring a pressing need for renewed conversations around safety and political violence. Stay tuned for ongoing updates on this developing story.