Two Days of Terror: How the Minnesota Shooter Evaded Police and Got Caught

Vance Boelter’s police disguise and targeted attacks lead to Minnesota’s largest-ever manhunt, ending in a dramatic surrender after 43 hours.

NEW HOPE, Minnesota, June 22 (Reuters) — Vance Boelter, 57, posed as a police officer and launched a deadly, politically motivated attack on several Minnesota lawmakers in a chilling overnight rampage that left two people dead and two others, including State Senator John Hoffman, seriously injured. Boelter, wearing tactical gear and driving an SUV marked with “POLICE,” was able to elude law enforcement for nearly two days, triggering the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history.

At 2:36 a.m. on June 14, about 30 minutes after the shooting of Senator Hoffman and his wife, Boelter was found in his fake police SUV near the home of State Senator Ann Rest. He had an arsenal of weapons including AK-47 rifles and a list of Democratic lawmakers he appeared to be targeting, along with fliers for a local anti-Trump rally. His SUV bore decals, emergency lights, and the word “POLICE” on the license plate.

A New Hope police officer responding to the Hoffman shooting spotted the SUV but initially believed Boelter was a fellow officer. Her decision to check on Senator Rest despite the confusion possibly saved the lawmaker’s life, according to Police Chief Timothy Hoyt.

Boelter’s deception, including body armor, a badge, and silence when approached, initially allowed him to evade suspicion. After leaving the scene, he continued his pursuit of other targets, ultimately culminating in a 43-hour manhunt involving federal and state agencies.

Boelter has been charged with murdering Melissa Hortman and her husband, and attempting to murder Senator Hoffman and his wife. Authorities say they may seek the death penalty. The attack has been described by Governor Tim Walz as “politically motivated.”

According to the FBI, Boelter began his spree at the Hoffman residence in Champlin. Posing as police, he yelled, “This is the police. Open the door,” before opening fire when his identity was questioned. Senator Hoffman was shot nine times. Yvette Hoffman, shielding her daughter, was also wounded.

Boelter’s next stop was Representative Kristin Bahner’s home in Maple Grove, but she and her family were away. He rang the doorbell and announced himself with a fabricated warrant. Surveillance footage captured the scene.

Next came his encounter near Senator Rest’s residence, followed by an attack at Representative Melissa Hortman’s home in Brooklyn Park. Officers, already stationed outside due to heightened threats, engaged with Boelter as he arrived. He opened fire and then entered the house, killing both Melissa and her husband.

Boelter abandoned his SUV at the scene. Inside, police found firearms, anti-Trump literature, and a target list of over 45 Minnesota lawmakers. FBI experts believe Boelter may have studied past mass shootings, including the 2020 Nova Scotia case where a gunman disguised as a police officer killed 22 people.

His flight continued. Boelter texted loved ones saying, “Dad went to war last night,” and purchased an e-bike and Buick for $900 from a man at a Minneapolis bus stop. Surveillance footage later captured him withdrawing cash in a cowboy hat.

It wasn’t until June 16 that authorities located Boelter near his family’s property in Green Isle. A trail camera image narrowed the search, and he was apprehended two hours later without resistance.

Prosecutors, public defenders, and investigators continue piecing together the motive. Though Boelter was a Trump supporter with conservative Christian beliefs, no coherent ideology or direct affiliations have emerged from his writings.