- 8 months ago
Minnesota officials hold a press briefing to discuss the manhunt for Vance Boelter, the suspect in the shootings of Democratic lawmakers.
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NewsTranscript
00:00Good afternoon everyone. My name is Bob Jacobson. I'm the Commissioner of Public Safety and it's
00:13my honor to be with you again today on this continuing investigation. First of all, I want
00:18to thank our law enforcement partners for continuing to investigate and search for our
00:25suspect in this case. We appreciate all the time that they're taking away including today on Father's
00:30Day as they're trying to again get to a successful conclusion. I also want to thank the public for
00:37listening to what we're putting out there for information, assisting us in any way that they
00:42can in locating our suspect. We appreciate that very much and their help is always of course
00:48appreciated. Today we'll have some speakers to present some information and updates on what's
00:55going on with our investigation. So as we get through our speakers after we're all done
01:00there'll be an opportunity to ask some questions. So with that I'm going to turn it over to Mayor
01:05Ryan Sabos. Mayor. Thank you and thank you all for coming. It's in moments like this that we
01:14search for answers to something that defies understanding. A senseless and tragic act that
01:21has shaken us all. But in our darkest hours we're reminded of the strength and resilience of
01:26community. We come together not only to grieve but to stand strong. And together we will rise.
01:33The heinous act should never have happened. Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and Senator John
01:40Hoffman are not just public servants. They are remarkable individuals who have devoted their lives
01:46to serving others. Every person deserves to feel safe in their home including those that are elected
01:52to lead us. We have the full confidence in our justice system and the professionals working
01:59tirelessly to bring individuals responsible to justice. The Champlin Police Department, the Brooklyn
02:05Park Police Department, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety,
02:10and the FBI all working closely in coordination on this ongoing and active investigation. We are
02:17anxiously awaiting news of justice and we will not rest until that happens. If you have any
02:23information please contact the tip line at bca.tips at state.mn.us or call 877-996-6222 or your local
02:36police department. Your voice could make the difference. Now more than ever we must truly
02:43focus on what matters. Beneath all of our differences, political, personal or otherwise, we are all
02:50human beings. And every human life has a value. Let us move forward with compassion, unity and
02:57a fierce resolve for care for one another. While this tragedy has deeply impacted our cities,
03:04the people of Champlin, Brooklyn Park, and the greater Minnesota community are strong.
03:10We support those who are grieving. We honor those that we have lost. And we stand beside
03:15those that are still fighting. Champlin, Brooklyn Park, and surrounding areas, stay strong.
03:22Show love. Show respect. Be kind. And never forget the strength that we hold when we stand together.
03:28Thank you. And with that, I'll turn it over to Mayor Winston. Thank you.
03:34Mayor Winston of the City of Brooklyn Park. As I said before, prayers and support go out to the families of the Hoffmans and the Hortmans.
03:51I know that our cities, Champlin Park, I mean Champlin, excuse me, and Brooklyn Park are going through a fair amount of grief.
03:59But in reality, there's no distance between Brooklyn Park and Champlin Park in terms of supporting the families.
04:05Because of this, we know that Speaker Hortman, beyond her legislative impact, has had such an impact on unifying our communities and bringing them together.
04:14And even in a personal level, she's been dedicated to helping youth when nobody was looking.
04:20And when we look at Senator Hoffman earlier today, I was at a vigil, prayer vigil for him.
04:24And we were talking about how are we going to support the family and come together.
04:27And we realized that the number of families that we're going to have to reach out to,
04:32and the communities we're going to have to reach out to, to bring everyone together, he's just had such an outsized impact.
04:38It's going to be a fair amount of work to properly support and honor him.
04:42Because of that, we're really supporting law enforcement in this, and we want to thank law enforcement for their pursuit of justice.
04:50So we talked about Governor Walz and Commissioner Jacobson and their resources they made available immediately to our resources.
04:56At the federal level, the support that we're getting there, county, regional, local, and, of course, Brooklyn Park.
05:02I think the work that was done there saved a number of lives.
05:05And, again, they're committed to justice.
05:07And to assist them, we're asking, I think it was said earlier, we asked folks if they have information,
05:11please reach out to a tip line.
05:12And also, please, if you're looking for information, track real points of information.
05:23Directly contact or look at information from law enforcement sources.
05:30Avoid not sharing or sharing misinformation.
05:35And then also let's realize it's a time for calming words and influence.
05:39We are one community, so we very much need to come together on this and support one another.
05:44Again, there is some healing that needs to be done here, and we really want to support the families.
05:52Again, prayers go out to the families of the Hortmans and the Hockmans.
05:56So thank you, everybody, for your support.
05:58And thank you for support not just within Brooklyn Park or Champlin,
06:02but also thank you for support from across the country and through greater Minnesota.
06:11Thank you, Mayor and Mayors and Commissioner and for everybody.
06:15I am Drew Evans, the Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
06:18I want to provide you a little bit of an update on what we've been working on today
06:21and where we are continuing to go.
06:27Law enforcement continues to work in partnership to locate and take into custody
06:32Vance Bolter in relation to these murders and attempted murders.
06:36There is a nationwide warrant for his arrest for the murders and attempted murders in this case
06:43at the state level, and there is also then a federal warrant for the same crime,
06:49or for him as well, for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
06:54That's through the coordination that's been done with the Hennepin County Attorney's Office
06:57and the United States Attorney's Office for that.
07:00And so he is wanted on those across the United States.
07:04He is not in custody at this time.
07:06This remains a very active investigation.
07:09We continue to conduct interviews on the investigative piece,
07:14not only to learn his whereabouts, but also to follow up on the case
07:18and gather the information as part of the prosecution related to him.
07:25As you may have noted today, and I know you've been around and the sheriff provided some updates,
07:30there is information that led us to do the searches that continue in Sibley County in that area.
07:38Those teams will continue to be active until they feel that they have done a thorough
07:43and complete search in that area for him.
07:46I want to reiterate for everybody, if you know anything about his whereabouts
07:50or if you spot anything suspicious or may have been suspicious in the last 24 hours,
07:55anywhere, but certainly down in that area, to please contact law enforcement,
08:01either your local law enforcement and through our tip line.
08:03I also want to remind everybody that there's a $50,000 reward offered by the FBI in this particular case.
08:11That reward is leading to the capture of him related to this, and that is offered by the FBI.
08:19The teams that continue to work on this is over 100 law enforcement officers
08:23and numerous SWAT teams that are in that area searching for him.
08:27The BCA is working in partnership in this investigation with the Brooklyn Park Police Department,
08:32Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, FBI, ATF, United States Marshal Service,
08:38Sibley County Sheriff's Office, and then numerous other agencies,
08:41such as the State Patrol and other sheriff's offices from across the state of Minnesota
08:45and local law enforcement.
08:47This is of the utmost priority, and that is why you're seeing teams from the Twin Cities down in Sibley
08:52trying to apprehend him as quickly as possible.
08:54We did locate in that area that led us a vehicle that we had interest in related to him yesterday
09:02that we were searching for, and it was located in Sibley County earlier, very early today.
09:08Also, I know it's been reported a hat that we believe he's wearing was found in proximity to that vehicle,
09:14which is what has led us to believing he was in that area.
09:18As we go forward on this, as we see, what we would ask the public to do is continue to remain vigilant,
09:25and anything that you see as suspicious, to please report this to us.
09:29You know, for him, it is important now at this point that he's wanted for these to come into custody.
09:35We want that to be done safely, both for him and for the public,
09:38so that we can move forward with this process, and also for the entire state of Minnesota.
09:47As I noted, our law enforcement continue to work very diligently and hard,
09:51and we know everybody wants answers.
09:52And what I'd ask for everybody today, I know it's been a long day without updates,
09:56but that's because it's been a very fluid day.
09:59There's been a number of different things that have been followed up on throughout the day,
10:02and we'll continue to.
10:03As noted, we have taken in over 400 tips into our tip line already,
10:08and I would encourage people to continue to provide those so that our investigators can sift through those
10:13for clues and information that will lead us to him and to uncover exactly what's happening.
10:19Lastly, I would just remind everybody that, you know, we have families that continue to grieve,
10:24that are going through this process, and that it's very difficult for them.
10:28We've been in contact with families related to this, trying to provide some answers.
10:32And while everybody wants an easy answer, I would encourage everybody online and in our communities
10:38to not speculate on what occurred and what the motivation was for this.
10:42We often want easy answers for complex problems, and this is a complex situation
10:47that our investigators are going to need time to sift through the information and evidence,
10:52and those answers will come as we complete the full picture of our investigation,
10:56and we will continue to provide that information as we are able.
11:00With that, I'd be happy to answer some questions at this time,
11:04and I'd just remind everybody that it's a very active investigation.
11:07So we saw...
11:08Excuse me, can you introduce yourself and your media organization?
11:11Morning, welcome here, 11.
11:12We saw a part from the total right from the city where you were talking about the active investigations that you found.
11:17Did you find anything in that car?
11:19I don't know if there was notice, but there was something being grabbed and then you could blend it.
11:22Can you share any information?
11:23So the question was, did we find anything in that car?
11:26We did find items of evidence in that car that are relevant to this investigation.
11:30We can't go into the details of that, but there were items recovered for that car that are relevant,
11:34that will be part of our investigation, that provide additional answers,
11:37and that lead us to believe additionally beyond looking for it that he was associated with that vehicle.
11:43So the question is, do we believe that he is trying to leave the country or headed towards Canada?
12:00You know, there's a large law enforcement president down in Sibley County, but we don't have him in custody.
12:05So we don't have evidence that he's intending a particular destination, but all options are open to the investigative team,
12:13and they're exploring that right now.
12:15Dan from New York Times, do you believe he's on foot?
12:17The question is, do we believe he's on foot?
12:21We believe in terms of there's, we have not concluded exactly how he is getting around the area at this time.
12:29It could be multiple ways that he has traveled, and that's open,
12:33and that's why you see in that area a very large perimeter because they're looking at various modes of transportation from there.
12:39Hey, it's Brittany Shepard, ABC News.
12:41Do you believe the suspect is still alive?
12:43Can you tell us more about the traffic stop involved with what he is?
12:47Yeah, the question is, do we believe he's still alive?
12:49We're certainly operating as though he's still alive and believe he is at this time, and we'll continue on as is.
12:54And the question about his wife and traffic stop, I think everybody would know that, you know,
12:59in any time an individual is identified as a suspect in investigation,
13:04we're going to talk to their family members and do that.
13:06So we met with his family, not just his wife, but other family members,
13:11to really understand what's going on, and that's part of that,
13:14and that will help us complete the investigation, and so that was part of what we're doing.
13:17Jay?
13:18Jay Foles, Channel 5 News.
13:20I approve on that point.
13:22Are they in custody at all, or were they just questioned and released?
13:26And also, do we have any evidence that he might have stopped at another lawmaker's house before he got off in the morning?
13:32So the questions were, are they in custody?
13:35The answer is no.
13:36And then, as far as the others, you know, we've mentioned,
13:40we can't get into the specifics of the investigation.
13:42We believe that there certainly were other individuals that were identified as part of this information with him,
13:49and in the terms of what exactly he had done,
13:53we are still continuing to build out that full picture as to what his whereabouts were,
13:59but we certainly are getting there,
14:01and there were other individuals that, you know, might have been contacted or targeted.
14:05Yes.
14:06Paul.
14:07So the question was, is the individual getting around on a bike or bicycle?
14:24I think that, as noted previously, there might be multiple modes of transportation for the individual,
14:30and we can't get into the details and specifics.
14:32It might thwart our ability to locate the individual.
14:34Yeah, Drew, Paul, on Fox 9, just about assistance.
14:38Do we believe at this point you're getting any assistance?
14:41Any evidence that was found?
14:42And then just to elaborate a little bit more on that traffic stop,
14:45because if there have been leaks, if the cash is in the white car, passport, weaponry,
14:50it sounds, you know, intriguing.
14:54Can you elaborate a little bit more on what was found there,
14:56and why, if so, they were able to be released?
14:58Yeah, I, the question was, why were they about the traffic stop and what were then,
15:05can you repeat the first part of your question?
15:06Is there any car evidence that he's getting assistance?
15:09Oh, yeah, thank you.
15:11So the question was, is there assistance in the items,
15:14and I can't discuss the details of what was inside of the vehicle at that time.
15:18It's part of our active criminal investigation, and we're working on that.
15:22Why were they allowed to be released?
15:24They were cooperative, we're working through that process.
15:26We certainly always analyze evidence, but they were very cooperative with us
15:29and provided us the information we needed and the information related to that.
15:34If the question about do we believe he's receiving any assistance,
15:39all options are on the table.
15:42We haven't seen specific individuals doing that,
15:45but we don't know that specifically now.
15:47He's certainly been in contact with individuals,
15:49whether or not they're providing active assistance.
15:51I can't provide that.
15:51Go ahead.
15:52Go ahead.
15:53Go ahead.
15:53Lily, I was going to ask you,
15:54yes, have you found any indication of private threats,
15:59any online activity, any communication besides the manifesto?
16:02If you wouldn't mind sharing some details of the manifesto
16:05that might help people find it.
16:08Thank you for the question.
16:09It was about details on what's been referred to as a manifesto,
16:12and then are there online information or others or threats indicating.
16:16So far, we have not located any prior threats with this individual
16:20towards anybody on that.
16:23That will obviously be part of a deeper dive to really understand
16:27the motivation of this individual and whether or not that is on there
16:30and connections related to threats,
16:33whether they might be here or in different parts of the United States.
16:37In terms of what's been referred to a manifesto,
16:39I want to clarify for everybody, and just for this,
16:41this is not a document,
16:44because I think it's important for the public to understand,
16:46that would be like a traditional manifesto that's a treatise
16:49on all kinds of ideology and writings.
16:52This is a notebook with a lot of, that's been reported,
16:55of lawmakers and others that are listed in here,
16:59and then much more other thoughts that are throughout this,
17:04as opposed to a very succinct document that's providing long,
17:08and it's mixed in with other documents.
17:09So that's where this is coming from.
17:11I don't want the public to have the impression that there's this long manifesto
17:15that's providing all of this information and details
17:18and then associated with names.
17:19It's much more about names and then others,
17:21and we will work through, and beyond that,
17:23I cannot provide details because it's part of the active criminal investigation.
17:26All right.
17:26Thank you, guys.
17:27I have a question.
17:29Is the shelter in place in Eagan related to this investigation?
17:34I am not familiar with that.
17:36I'd have to ask you to go to Eagan.
17:38The question was a shelter in place in Eagan,
17:40and I am not tracking a shelter in place in Eagan right now.
17:43Was it earlier today, or is it right now?
17:47I would ask that you, I am not, we've been in here for a few minutes,
17:50but I, so I don't know if there's anything related to ours,
17:53but I'd have to ask you to talk to Eagan police department.
17:55Can you talk more about the federal role?
17:57Yeah, I can, just on that.
17:58So the federal role, yeah, please.
18:00John Kaplan from WCCO, you can speak more about the federal role.
18:05Yeah.
18:05Is there still an ongoing threat to current lawmakers?
18:09So the, what I would tell you in terms of the questions were ongoing threat to public lawmakers,
18:15is there one?
18:16Certainly the safety of our lawmakers and public services is utmost concern to all of us.
18:21Certainly as to the security apparatus at the Capitol that provide that for them,
18:25our Minnesota State Patrol as well,
18:28and so we continue to evaluate that.
18:30I will say that we have no indication that the individual that is wanted here
18:34did anything other than conduct these acts by himself.
18:37But that doesn't mean we aren't exploring more fully.
18:40If there's any other threats that might be there,
18:42we will continue to evaluate that and work together with them.
18:45In terms of the role of the federal government,
18:47they've been extremely great partners to all of us.
18:51The FBI and ATF, the United States Marshal Service,
18:55among others from the federal government,
18:58are priding both investigative assistance on this case
19:01and then participating in the manhunt for the individual
19:04to locate him and take him into custody safely.
19:08That is not uncommon in a large case like this,
19:11and the United States Attorney's Office has been in contact with us,
19:14and they certainly will be exploring if there are federal charges
19:19that would be connected to this sort of violence
19:21that was conducted on our lawmakers.
19:23Who is taking the lead in this?
19:24So this is a partnership right now.
19:29The Brooklyn Park Police Department is the lead on the murders
19:32that occurred in their city,
19:34and we are assisting them as we do as a BCA
19:36in communities all across Minnesota
19:38with the assistance of the sheriff's office as well
19:41and then those federal agencies.
19:43When we do an investigation like this,
19:45it is not uncommon for us to work in partnership
19:48with our federal agencies
19:49to see if there is an investigation
19:51that may lead to federal charges,
19:53which is what we're doing.
19:54So it is very typical that you would pursue,
19:57in a murder case, the murder investigation
19:59as a state case, be charged,
20:01and then we'll examine if there are federal charges,
20:03and we'll have those ongoing conversations,
20:05which we are doing right now
20:06with the United States Attorney's Office for Minnesota.
20:09And in that case,
20:10the FBI is typically the lead agency in that case
20:14unless there is something else that's more specialized
20:16like gun charges, et cetera.
20:18All right, thank you.
20:21We should answer this.
20:24So, and this is,
20:25the question is this has been expanded to South Dakota,
20:28and I think that came from,
20:30I don't know the specifics,
20:31but oftentimes when we're looking for an individual,
20:34we will send out information to law enforcement
20:36and surrounding states.
20:38Yesterday, he certainly had a lot of time
20:40to be able to cover a lot of distance
20:42once we knew that he had escaped from the crime scene.
20:46We believe that information was shared
20:48just like we would share in Minnesota
20:49if somebody was coming.
20:50This happens on a regular basis,
20:52that it was shared out for their law enforcement
20:54to be on the lookout.
20:55They call it a bolo,
20:56to be on the lookout for the individual,
20:58and we believe it was there.
20:59We were never tracking
21:01and believing the individual went to South Dakota
21:03as an investigative team.
21:05Thank you all.
21:07Happy Father's Day for the man.
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