Suspect arrested in Minnesota shooting death of Democratic congresswoman and her husband

BarcelonaAfter two days of an unprecedented search and arrest operation, the police arrested last night the suspect of having Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman Melissa Hortman and her husband shot dead at his home. He is Vance Luther Boelter, a 57-year-old security company director and preacher who allegedly shot State Senator John Hoffman and his wife early Friday morning, wounding them.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who spoke of "political violence" from the outset, wanted to appear to report the arrest. "After two days of searching and two sleepless nights, law enforcement has arrested Vance Boelter," he said at a press conference, in which he condemned the suspect's "unthinkable actions." Boelter is charged with murder and attempted murder, three of which carry sentences of up to 40 years in prison.

While awaiting further details about the detainee and his motivations, police have confirmed that he was armed at the time of his arrest, although he did not resist and surrendered peacefully. The arrest comes after police and FBI officers conducted a sweeping raid in rural Minnesota on Sunday night, where they had indications the suspected shooter was hiding.

The man was disguised as a police officer at the time of his attack. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley confirmed that his SUV contained three AK-47 assault rifles, a 9mm handgun, and a list of other public officials, including their addresses. He also had pamphlets with the events planned for "No Kings Day", the call for nationwide demonstrations against Donald Trump's abuses of power.

Walz, in fact, warned residents not to attend anti-Trump protests until the suspect in the double murder was arrested. It should be noted that in the days prior, in Telegram chats and other forums, far-right groups had been boiling with plans to sabotage anti-Trump demonstrations. "Shoot a couple, the rest will go home," read one mem circulating on Telegram channels of groups linked to the Proud Boys.