After a two-day nationwide manhunt, authorities have arrested 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter on charges including felony warrants for escape and assault with a dangerous weapon. Boelter faces a charge of second-degree murder. He fatally shot Democratic State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home. This alarming event has raised some very justifiable concerns for lawmakers’ safety. Above all, it underscores the shocking increase of political violence in the U.S.
On the night of the shooting, disguised as a police officer, Boelter came looking for Evans. Utilizing a hyper-realistic latex mask he was able to make it much closer to the couple’s residence. When they opened the door, he shot them both point-blank in the side of the head, resulting in their untimely death. Law enforcement officials stressed that this was not a random act, as Boelter clearly had plans to kill other legislators too. It is reported that he visited the homes of two additional lawmakers that same night, arriving at one state senator’s residence at approximately 2:36 AM.
Joe Thompson, a spokesperson for the investigation, stated that Boelter engaged in “a planned campaign of stalking and violence.” They discovered evidence that in fact he had done very detailed research on lawmakers, even tracking down their home addresses and family members’ names. This included “dozens and dozens of names on hundreds of pages of documents” discovered in a vehicle linked to Boelter.
As investigators looked further into Boelter’s past, they found a more terrifying story. He had texted his wife prior to the attacks, expressing remorse with the words, “Words are not gonna explain how sorry I am for this situation.” This admission was in the sharpest contrast to his violent actions. In a handwritten confession discovered in his car, Boelter detailed what he was hoping to achieve and his mindset in the days prior to the murders.
During the search of Boelter’s wife’s car, authorities located two handguns, two passports and more than $10,000 in cash. This evidence coupled with the confession underscores a clear case of premeditation. His tactics included months of surveillance on his victims, demonstrating a premeditated pattern in the brutal violent acts he carried out.
“Innocent lives have been taken,” Thompson remarked. “Boelter stalked his victims like prey. He went to their homes, impersonated a police officer and slaughtered them in cold-blooded murder.” Beyond this, he underscored the serious ramifications of these actions, not only on the rights of voters but on democracy itself. It’s a terrifying assault on our democracy, on our culture. It’s widely accepted today that political violence has been increasing in recent years. This ought to be a wake-up call to all of us—having different opinions does not excuse us from doing or allowing evil.
Boelter’s arrest came nearly two hours after he had taken officers on a lengthy negotiable standoff with law enforcement, during which he surrendered in an open field. His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday afternoon, in front of a district court judge in St. Paul’s City Hall. This is an exciting — and very fluid — time. Federal authorities are considering a federal indictment that could carry the death penalty for the murders of Hortman and her husband.
This tragic incident has brought into view growing fears about lawmakers’ safety in the face of heightened political animus. As the investigation proceeds to bring those responsible to justice, we all share a responsibility with authorities to prevent future acts of violence.