Man suspected of shooting 2 Minnesota lawmakers captured after 2-day manhunt

A suspect wanted for shooting two Minnesota lawmakers at their homes early Saturday (Jun. 14) morning has been captured after nearly a two-day search.

Vance Boelster, 57, was arrested on Sunday (Jun. 15) evening, The Associated Press reported.

He was captured in Minnesota, although officials did not immediately disclose the location.

"What appeared to be a politically motivated assassination"

Former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their home on Saturday morning.

They were killed in "what appeared to be a politically motivated assassination," Governor of Minnesota Tim Walz said at a press conference, as reported by NBC.

Boelster also shot Democratic Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, on the same day.

They were shot a total of 17 times, but survived the deadly attacks.

The Hoffmans reportedly shielded their daughter from the shooter, who then was able to call the police and alert them.

Walz later credited the Hoffmans' daughter for her "heroic actions" that saved lives.

A major search for Boelster continued for nearly two days before he was apprehended.

The FBI had offered a reward of up to US$50,000 (S$64,150) for information that would lead to his arrest and conviction.

Top image via AFP