Fact Check: "The suspected gunman, Vance Luther Boelter, was taken into custody on Sunday evening after a day-long manhunt and charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder."
What We Know
On Sunday evening, Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was apprehended following a significant manhunt that lasted two days. He is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder in connection with the shootings of Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, as well as their spouses. The manhunt was described as "the largest in state history" by Brooklyn Park police Chief Mark Bruley (NPR, BBC). Boelter was found in a field and surrendered to police, reportedly crawling towards them (BBC).
Authorities indicated that Boelter had a "hit list" of 45 elected officials, all Democrats, which included the two lawmakers he allegedly attacked (NPR). The shootings occurred on a Saturday, and Boelter was arrested the following Sunday night. He is currently being held in federal custody (NPR, Reuters).
Analysis
The claim that Vance Luther Boelter was taken into custody after a day-long manhunt and charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder is supported by multiple credible sources. Reports from NPR, BBC, and The New York Times confirm the timeline of events and the charges against Boelter.
The credibility of these sources is high; NPR and BBC are well-established news organizations known for their rigorous journalistic standards. The New York Times and other outlets such as The Washington Post and Reuters also corroborate the details of Boelter's arrest and the nature of the charges.
The information regarding the charges is consistent across these reports, with specific mention of the second-degree murder and attempted murder charges (CBS News, Star Tribune). Additionally, the context of the shootings being politically motivated adds a layer of seriousness to the events, as highlighted by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other officials (BBC, USA Today).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Vance Luther Boelter was taken into custody on Sunday evening after a day-long manhunt and charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder is accurate. This is supported by multiple reputable news sources, all of which confirm the details of his arrest and the charges filed against him.
Sources
- The suspect in the shooting of 2 Minnesota lawmakers had ... NPR
- Man suspected of shooting Minnesota lawmakers crawled ... BBC
- Suspect in Minnesota Attacks Is Arrested, Ending Manhunt The New York Times
- Suspect in Minnesota lawmaker shootings captured after manhunt The Washington Post
- US police arrest suspect Vance Luther Boelter for ... Reuters
- Minnesota suspect went to 4 officials' homes in plot to 'kill ... USA Today
- Vance Boelter charged in shootings of Minnesota lawmakers and their ... CBS News
- Vance Boelter captured in Sibley County MN, charged with murder Star Tribune
