Minnesota Lawmaker Shootings: The Manhunt for Vance Boelter, a Complex Suspect with a Troubled Past
Minnesota Lawmaker Shootings: The Manhunt for Vance Boelter, a Complex Suspect with a Troubled Past
The tragic shooting of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the critical wounding of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, has sent shockwaves through the state. The prime suspect, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, remains at large, prompting a massive manhunt and a $50,000 FBI reward.
Boelter, described as a 6-foot-1, 220-pound man with brown hair and eyes, was last seen in Minneapolis Saturday morning. He is considered armed and dangerous and may be attempting to flee the Twin Cities area. Images released by authorities show him wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, dark long-sleeved shirt or jacket, light-colored pants, and dark sneakers.
The investigation reveals a multifaceted suspect with a complex background. Boelter worked as the director of security patrols for Praetorian Guard Security Services, a Twin Cities-area armed home security company. His company biography boasts extensive international security experience, including work in Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Authorities acknowledge his security expertise may have aided in the execution of the attacks.
Beyond his security work, Boelter’s digital footprint reveals a religious zeal. He was the president of a Minnesota-based nonprofit, “You Give Them Something to Eat,” and previously led Revoformation Ministries, where he was identified as a “Reverend.” Online materials indicate a history of missionary work, including efforts to spread Christianity among “Islamic militants” in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Adding another layer to the mystery, writings found in Boelter’s vehicle suggest a possible motive, though authorities have yet to release specific details. The car also contained fliers related to the “No Kings” anti-Trump movement, leading to the cancellation of local demonstrations. A list of prominent Minnesota abortion rights advocates, including several Democratic lawmakers, was also discovered in the vehicle, confirmed by Sen. Tina Smith’s office.
The attacks themselves were chillingly calculated. Boelter allegedly impersonated a police officer, using a modified black SUV with emergency lights and a “POLICE” license plate. He opened fire on responding police officers at Hortman’s home after the initial shooting.
Before the shooting, Boelter sent text messages to acquaintances expressing his love and warning them he might be dead soon. One recipient described the situation as a “tragedy all around.”
Boelter’s past includes appointments to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board under both Governors Mark Dayton and Tim Walz. He also worked for several large food companies over the past 25 years.
The FBI urges anyone with information to immediately call 911. Do not approach Boelter.
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