Suspect, Trump Supporter
Found with List of 70 Politicians
The suspect who shot and killed a Minnesota state representative and her spouse, then fled the scene, was arrested just one day after the incident.
According to local media including the New York Times on the 15th (local time), Minnesota police apprehended suspect Vance Bolter, 57, near Green Isle, southwest of Minneapolis. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated, "Bolter was armed, but there was no significant confrontation during the arrest."
Suspect Vance Bolter, who killed a Minnesota state representative and his spouse with a firearm and fled, being arrested on the 15th (local time). Photo by AFP Yonhap News
Bolter is accused of breaking into the home of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park in the early morning hours of the previous day and fatally shooting Representative Hortman and her husband. Then, around 2 a.m., he allegedly impersonated a police officer to enter the home of State Senator John Hoffman, where he shot the couple before fleeing. Senator Hoffman and his spouse were transported to the hospital, underwent surgery, and are currently recovering.
After the incident, investigators focused their search around Bolter's residence and tracked him after spotting him fleeing into a forest. Police eventually found and arrested him in a field. Authorities have charged Bolter with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder.
Representative Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, served as Speaker of the Minnesota House for six years and has been a leading advocate for progressive legislation, including the protection of abortion rights and the legalization of marijuana. Senator John Hoffman is also a member of the Democratic Party.
According to authorities, Bolter was wearing a police uniform and badge at the time of the crimes, and disguised his identity by wearing a rubber mask to conceal his face. During the investigation, a notebook containing a list of about 70 politicians was found in his vehicle. Bolter is known to be a supporter of former President Donald Trump and has operated a religious nonprofit organization with anti-abortion views.
Governor Tim Walz stated that the incident "appears to be a politically motivated assassination," raising the possibility that Democratic politicians were deliberately targeted. During the search, police offered a $50,000 reward and launched a large-scale manhunt.
Police are currently conducting further investigations to determine Bolter's exact motive and background for the crimes.
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