Authorities believe the man accused of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses is still alive, as a nationwide warrant has been issued for his arrest.
“We're certainly operating as if he's still alive and believe he is at this time,” said Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, during a news conference Sunday night.
The suspect, Vance Boelter, is accused of fatally shooting state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband early Saturday, and of wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in what authorities say were politically motivated attacks.
Authorities have focused their manhunt on Sibley County, located about 60 miles southwest of Minneapolis, where a vehicle connected to Boelter was found. A cowboy hat he was seen wearing in an FBI-released photo was also recovered in the area on Sunday, Evans said.
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Authorities have been trying to piece together a timeline of the events, which began early Saturday when police were first called to Hoffman’s home following reports of gunfire. After responding, officers began conducting wellness checks on other lawmakers. They encountered the suspect at Hortman’s residence, where he reportedly opened fire on officers before fleeing the scene.
Boelter allegedly impersonated a police officer and wore a latex mask to disguise his identity during at least one of the attacks, investigators said.
Authorities say they’ve received hundreds of tips as their manhunt continues and urged the public to report anything suspicious. Evans also confirmed investigators are reviewing communications Boelter allegedly sent after the shootings.
A friend told reporters that Boelter texted him, saying: “I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn’t gone this way. … I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused.”
Boelter is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities are warning the public not to approach him and to call 911 immediately if he is spotted.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Boelter’s arrest and conviction.
