Manhunt in Minnesota: Has the Shooter Been Caught in Sibley County?
New York: Picture waking up in the quiet of rural Sibley County—then seeing an emergency alert pop on your phone. That’s the reality today for Minnesotans across Sibley, Onamia, and beyond, as a massive manhunt for a politically-motivated shooter spreads. It’s the kind of news that shakes your sense of safety—especially after a weekend that already brought heartbreak in Brooklyn Park and Champlin.
Minnesota’s very best—lawmakers—were targeted in their own homes. The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, reportedly impersonated a police officer and left behind chilling evidence. But here’s what’s hitting home: authorities believe his vehicle was spotted near Sibley County, and residents there are being urged to stay alert, lock doors, and report anything unusual.
And then, there’s Senator Amy Klobuchar—she’s offering reassurance. She reminds folks under stress that law enforcement is pulling out all the stops. As we track the situation across Onamia, Sibley, and the rest of Minnesota, here’s what you need to know: updated developments, what authorities are saying, and how communities are responding.
Sibley County Manhunt: What We Know
Law enforcement confirmed finding the suspect’s vehicle near Hwy 25 and 301st Ave in Faxon Township—just outside Sibley County—prompting an emergency shelter‑in‑place alert for nearby residents. Officials have ramped up search efforts across rural roads, farms, and residential areas.
Despite the high alert, Vance Boelter hasn’t been caught yet. Authorities still consider him “armed and dangerous,” and are conducting door‑to‑door checks.
Spike in Alerts: Onamia and Nearby Communities on High Alert
Late Saturday, law enforcement detained Boelter’s wife near Onamia during a traffic stop—but she was later released. No indication emerged that she had knowledge of his whereabouts, but the stop shows the hunt is stretching northward and families are being questioned in real time.
Amy Klobuchar: ‘He’s Somewhere in the Midwest’
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who recently dined with late Rep. Hortman, emphasized to NBC’s Meet the Press that law enforcement believes the suspect remains in the Midwest—possibly not far from Sibley County. She urged Minnesotans to stay alert without panicking:
“We believe he’s somewhere in the vicinity…” and noted that extra security has been deployed around high-profile targets and lawmakers after the politically-motivated shooting.
Also Read: Chaos in Salt Lake City: Protest March Interrupted by Gunfire, One Injured
Who Is the Suspect? A Brief Profile of Vance Boelter
Name & Age: 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter.
Background: Former appointee to Minnesota’s Workforce Development Board and private security consultant.
Modus operandi: Disguised himself as a police officer (uniform, mask, fake badge), used a fake police SUV.
Motives: Manifesto and flyers targeting pro-abortion rights lawmakers, including a list of 70 potential targets in his vehicle.
Weaponry: AK-style firearms found in his vehicle; currently considered armed and dangerous with a sidearm.
What Happens Next: Searching Sibley, Protecting Communities
Expect to see:
- Increased patrols and checkpoints throughout rural Sibley County and Onamia.
- Shelter-in-place orders issued locally—residents should lock doors, report suspicious SUVs or individuals in uniform.
- FBI involvement offering a $50,000 reward—any sighting or tip matters.
- Heightened protection measures for lawmakers, post offices, and schools throughout the state.
Why This Matters: Political Violence in America
Minnesota’s tragedy isn’t an isolated case—it’s part of a chilling rise in politically motivated attacks. In recent years, lawmakers like Gabby Giffords, Nancy Pelosi’s spouse, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and others have been targeted. Klobuchar and national leaders are calling for unity—and for the public to think before posting inflammatory content, for fear it could inspire violence.
The manhunt continues. As Sibley County and Onamia stay alert, Minnesota braces itself—both for the capture of a dangerous suspect and for national lessons about political violence. Law enforcement is scouring rural roads, and residents are on guard. Senator Klobuchar’s message? Remain calm, stay vigilant, and trust that authorities haven’t stepped off this case.