Fact Check: Vance Boelter, the suspect in the shootings of two Democratic Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, was arrested on Sunday after what a local police chief described as the largest manhunt in the state’s history.

Fact Check: Vance Boelter Arrested After Largest Manhunt in Minnesota History

What We Know

Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old man, was arrested on Sunday after being the primary suspect in the shootings of two Democratic Minnesota lawmakers, Representative Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman, along with their spouses. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, resulting in the death of Hortman and serious injuries to the Hoffmans. Following the shootings, law enforcement initiated what Brooklyn Park police Chief Mark Bruley described as "the largest manhunt in state history" to locate Boelter (NPR, New York Times).

Boelter was apprehended near his home in Green Isle, Minnesota, after a two-day search involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including local police, SWAT teams, and state patrol helicopters. During the manhunt, authorities discovered a vehicle and personal items believed to belong to Boelter, which helped them narrow down his location (BBC, AP News).

Analysis

The claim that Vance Boelter was arrested after the largest manhunt in Minnesota's history is supported by multiple credible sources. Chief Bruley's statement regarding the scale of the manhunt has been consistently reported across various news outlets, including NPR and the New York Times, both of which are reputable sources known for their journalistic integrity (NPR, New York Times).

The circumstances surrounding the shootings have been described as politically motivated, with Boelter allegedly targeting the lawmakers due to their political affiliations. This context adds weight to the significance of the manhunt, as it reflects broader concerns about political violence in the United States (AP News, CBS News).

While the claim is corroborated by reliable sources, it is essential to note that the term "largest manhunt in state history" is somewhat subjective and may depend on various factors such as the number of personnel involved, the duration of the search, and the geographical area covered. However, the consensus among law enforcement and media reports supports the assertion that this manhunt was unprecedented in its scale and intensity (NPR, New York Times).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Vance Boelter was arrested after what has been described as the largest manhunt in Minnesota's history is accurate. This assertion is supported by statements from law enforcement officials and corroborated by multiple reputable news sources. The scale of the manhunt reflects the serious nature of the crimes Boelter is accused of committing, as well as the heightened concern regarding political violence.

Sources

1. Vance Boelter captured, charged in shooting of Minnesota lawmakers - NPR
2. Suspect in Minnesota Attacks Is Arrested, Ending Manhunt - New York Times
3. Man suspected of shooting Minnesota lawmakers arrested - BBC
4. Live Updates: Minnesota Man Is Charged With Murder of - New York Times
5. What to know about the Minnesota shootings | AP News
6. Vanced
7. Vance Boelter, suspect in Minnesota lawmaker shootings, taken into custody - CBS News