Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot by Vance Boelter in a politically motivated attack that also left a state senator and his wife critically injured, prompting the largest manhunt in state history before Boelter's arrest.

A politically motivated double murder has rocked Minnesota and the wider United States, following the brutal killing of State Representative Melissa Hortman, the top Democrat in the Minnesota House, and her husband, Mark Hortman. The alleged assailant, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, was arrested after a massive two-day manhunt that authorities say was the largest in the state’s history.

According to law enforcement, Boelter—posing as a police officer and dressed in a fake uniform—entered the Hortmans’ Brooklyn Park residence on Saturday and fatally shot the couple. He later attacked State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home just miles away, critically injuring both.

The attacks prompted an immediate lockdown in the surrounding communities, with state and federal agencies launching an intensive search. The manhunt culminated in Boelter’s arrest on Sunday in Green Isle, more than 60 miles from the initial crime scenes. He surrendered without resistance, crawling to authorities despite being armed.

Police recovered a cache of weapons from Boelter’s vehicle, including three AK-47 rifles, a 9mm handgun, and a detailed hit list of other public officials, complete with addresses. Authorities have confirmed that Boelter had ties to fringe evangelical groups and had previously claimed experience in global conflict zones, including Gaza and Africa.

Governor Tim Walz addressed the media on Sunday, describing the killings as a “politically motivated assassination” and a stark warning about the rise of domestic extremism. “This cannot be the way we handle political disagreement in America,” Walz said. “We must recommit ourselves to the values of democracy, decency, and peace.”

Senator Hoffman, who sustained nine gunshot wounds, is said to be recovering following multiple surgeries. His wife remains in stable but serious condition.

Boelter has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. Each of the murder charges carries a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison under Minnesota law.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are now involved in the ongoing investigation, examining Boelter’s possible connections to extremist movements. Local leaders have called for unity and calm in the wake of what many describe as one of the darkest chapters in Minnesota’s political history.

A memorial outside the Minnesota State Capitol continues to grow, with residents placing flowers, candles, and messages in honour of the Hortmans.