Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting Suspect’s Vehicle Found in Sibley County as Search Continues

Minnesota officials on Sunday evening provided an update on what they described as a ‘fluid’ search for lawmaker shooting suspect Vance Boelter, who is wanted in connection with the fatal shootings of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, along with the wounding of State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. The search for Boelter, a 57-year-old Democrat, continues as law enforcement agencies across the state and federal government work to track down the suspect, who is accused of carrying out a targeted attack on political figures.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) superintendent, Drew Evans, confirmed that law enforcement officials are still trying to locate and arrest Boelter on federal and local warrants. According to Evans, the search for Boelter led to an area in Sibley County where his vehicle and a hat that appeared to belong to the suspect were found. The BCA has urged residents in the area to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

The investigation into the shootings is ongoing, with authorities examining over 400 tips gathered from the public. Evans described the search as ‘fluid,’ emphasizing that the situation is complex and requires time to sift through the information and evidence collected so far. Authorities are also considering all possible escape routes for Boelter, including the possibility that he might be traveling by foot, vehicle, or another means of transportation, as he remains at large.

In addition to the ongoing manhunt, authorities have issued warnings to residents in the Sibley County area to remain vigilant and keep their doors locked due to the heightened security risks. The discovery of the suspect’s vehicle near Highway 25 and 301 Avenue in Faxon Township has prompted further investigation into whether the vehicle is directly associated with the suspect. A tow truck was dispatched to the site, but it left without evidence confirming a direct link between the vehicle and Boelter.

The victims’ families have shared poignant messages regarding the tragic events. Democratic senator Amy Klobuchar shared a message from Yvette Hoffman, John’s wife, detailing the severe injuries suffered by both John and his wife. Yvette wrote that John has endured multiple surgeries and is progressing toward better health, emphasizing the devastating impact of the attacks and the need for unity in the face of political violence.

The suspect’s alleged actions, including targeting lawmakers and wearing a police-like uniform and mask, have sparked concerns about the potential presence of domestic extremist ideologies in the region. Officials also noted that signs in the suspect’s vehicle reading ‘No Kings’ may have been linked to the broader ‘No Kings’ protests that occurred nationwide against the Trump administration’s immigration policies at the time of the incident.

As the search for Boelter continues, authorities remain committed to ensuring public safety and bringing the suspect to justice. The investigation highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in solving such high-profile crimes, while also underscoring the need for continued discussions on the role of political rhetoric and extremist ideologies in such acts of violence.