US police arrest suspect in shootings of Minnesota lawmakers, file two murder charges

The US law enforcement authorities have arrested the man suspected of opening fire on two Minnesota legislators and their spouses on June 14, killing one legislator and her husband.

The suspect has been charged with two counts of murder and two of attempted murder, the state’s governor, Tim Walz, said at a news conference, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Guardian.

Vance Boelter, 57, is suspected of fatally shooting the Democratic state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their residence early on June 14. Boelter is also suspected of shooting the state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home, seriously injuring them.

Boelter was arrested in a rural area in Sibley County, southwest of Minneapolis, according to police, who added that he was armed when he was taken into custody.

A criminal complaint unsealed June 15 night said Boelter faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder in the deaths of the Hortmans and the wounding of Hoffman and his wife.

Authorities alleged Boelter fled on foot after police responded to a shooting at Hortman’s house.

The police said Boelter was wearing a police uniform that so closely resembled an actual law enforcement uniform that most civilians wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

As of June 16 morning, Senator Hoffman and his wife remain hospitalised in serious but stable condition. State officials and community leaders across party lines have expressed condolences to the Hortman family and are calling for calm and unity amid the tragedy.

For the record, Melissa Hortman, 54, served in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2005 and was known for her leadership on climate policy, education, and reproductive rights.

Senator John Hoffman, 63, represents District 34 and has long been active on disability rights and healthcare access.

By Khagan Isayev