A Minnesota woman says she spotted the suspect in the deadly political shootings while on the phone with her father — a key moment that led to the arrest of 57-year-old Vance Boelter.
Wendy Thomas told KSTP that on Sunday night, she saw someone crouching near a culvert in a field in Green Isle.
“I was like, ‘Dad, that’s somebody,’” she said. Her father urged her to call for help. She flagged down law enforcement, who then arrested Boelter after a 43-hour manhunt.
Boelter Faces Federal and State Charges
Boelter is accused of killing Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in what authorities have called politically motivated attacks.
“He stalked his victims like prey and shot them in cold blood,” said acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson.
Boelter faces federal charges for stalking and firearms violations and state charges including first-degree murder. He made a brief appearance in federal court on Monday.
Chilling Evidence Found
Investigators found detailed surveillance notes in Boelter’s possession, including a list of public officials. A note next to Hortman’s name read, “married Mark 2 children 11th term.” Another notebook mentioned her “big house off golf course” and noted “2 ways in to watch from one spot.”
Officials say Boelter showed up at the victims’ homes early Saturday impersonating a police officer while wearing a realistic mask. Two other lawmakers were reportedly spared that same night.
Political Leaders React to Rising Threats
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan urged public officials to “turn down the temperature,” calling for more humanity and bipartisan empathy. Gov. Tim Walz said, “The way our nation moves forward is not through hate. It is not through violence. It is through humility, and grace, and compassion.”
State Sen. Scott Dribble linked the violence to increasingly extreme political rhetoric.
“It’s very concerning… those at the highest levels are calling for violent responses instead of real policy debate,” he said.
Trump Refuses to Call Walz
Despite the tragedy, former President Donald Trump refused to offer condolences to Gov. Walz. “I don’t want to call him… the guy doesn’t have a clue,” Trump said Tuesday. “I could be nice and call, but why waste time?”
The investigation into Boelter’s motive continues.
For more on the Minnesota killer whose charged with the death of Congresswoman Melissa Hortman,