New developments in the manhunt for Vance Boelter have centered on his wife’s tip following an unusual traffic stop. Police detained Boelter early Saturday, reportedly after officers received information from his spouse that led to his brief apprehension. Despite being handcuffed, he was ultimately released when no outstanding warrants were tied to him.
The incident occurred just hours after the deadly shootings in Minnesota that killed ex‑House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in Brooklyn Park, while critically injuring State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in Champlin. Boelter, 57, is suspected of disguising himself as a police officer and using a vehicle equipped with flashing lights to target both homes.
At the traffic stop, Boelter denied wrongdoing, and without probable cause, officers were forced to let him continue on. The episode highlights growing tension between law enforcement’s limited legal authority on public roads and the urgent need to detain a dangerous suspect.
Boelter remains at large. Authorities have recovered from his abandoned vehicle a list naming approximately 70 political figures, anti–“No Kings” literature, firearms, and police‑style gear. The FBI has issued a $50,000 reward and warned the public not to approach him, describing him as armed and dangerous.