Authorities have identified 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter as the primary suspect in a politically motivated shooting that left Minnesota Rep.
Melissa Hortman and her husband dead and injured Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. The attack took place in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota.
Boelter, described as a former pastor and security contractor, allegedly posed as a police officer to gain access to the victims’ homes. Authorities say he fatally shot Hortman and her husband Mark, while Hoffman and his wife Yvette are expected to survive after undergoing surgery.
According to Boelter’s LinkedIn, he is the CEO of Red Lion Group, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and director of Praetorian Guard Security Services. The suspect has a PhD in leadership and was previously appointed to the Minnesota Workforce Development Board.
Surveillance images show Boelter wearing tactical gear and carrying a flashlight. Multiple AK-style firearms and anti-government flyers labeled "No Kings" were recovered from a vehicle tied to him.
Boelter remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the shooting “targeted political violence” and stressed the need to stand united against extremist attacks.
The FBI and state authorities are actively investigating. The public is advised to stay alert and report any suspicious activity.
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