Who is Vance Luther Boelter, the suspect of the deadly Minnesota shooting
Vance Luther Boelter, 57, has been marked as the primary suspect in the tragic shootings of Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and
John Hoffman
on June 14. The attacks, which resulted in Hortman's death and Hoffman's critical injury, are being investigated as politically motivated.
Boelter, who remains at large, is considered armed and dangerous, with the FBI offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
The
Minnesota shooting
The attacks began around 2 AM on June 14, Saturday. Boelter, disguised as a police officer using a latex mask and fake uniform, entered the home of State Senator John Hoffman in Champlin, Minnesota, shooting both Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Approximately an hour later, he went to the Brooklyn Park residence of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, fatally shooting her and her husband, Mark.
After the police arrived, Boelter engaged in a brief gunfight before fleeing the scene.
A statewide manhunt is currently underway.
Boelter's background and career
Boelter has a diverse professional history spanning security, international development, and religious ministry. However, as reported by Reuters, Boelter listed himself as having no political party preference. On a LinkedIn post six years ago, Boelter urged Americans to vote and value the process: "If you believe in prayer, please keep the United States in your prayers."
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As per the same profile, he graduated from St. Cloud University with an undergraduate degree in international relations. He then went on to Cardinal Stritch University to receive a master's degree in management and a doctorate in leadership for the advancement of learning and service.
As reported by Fortune, he co-founded Praetorian Guard Security Services, a private security firm that provides 'residential security patrols' by 'armed' and 'uniformed' guards, according to its website, and served as its Director of Security Patrol.
The website's leadership page features Boelter next to the CEO and president of the business. The website's biography states that he 'has been involved with security situations in Eastern Europe, Africa, North America, and the Middle East, including the West Bank, Southern Lebanon, and the Gaza Strip.
'
Additionally, he led Revoformation Ministries, a Christian nonprofit focused on missionary work in conflict zones, particularly in the Middle East and Africa.
Boelter also directed the Red Lion Group, a development company based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, involved in sectors like agriculture and media. 'I have been doing projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa for the last three years with the Red Lion Group,' he wrote on his LinkedIn page in May, stressing that he is currently open to work.
In 2016, Boelter was appointed to Minnesota's Governor's Workforce Development Board by then-Governor Mark Dayton, and he was reappointed in 2019 by Governor Tim Walz.
Political affiliation
Boelter's political views appear to align with far-right ideologies. As reported by The New York Times, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley confirmed that a 'manifesto' was found inside Boelter's vehicle, listing 70 targets, including Democratic lawmakers and abortion rights advocates. The document reportedly included a list of names, prompting law enforcement to increase security across the state. Chief Mark Bruley said in a press conference, "When we did a search of the vehicle, we did find a manifesto that identified many lawmakers and other officials.
We immediately made alerts to the state to provide security wherever necessary.'
According to CNN and ABC News, the list featured names such as Melissa Hortman, John Hoffman, Governor Tim Walz, US Senator Tina Smith, and US Representative Ilhan Omar. Additionally, flyers associated with the anti-Trump 'No Kings' movement were found, suggesting Boelter's opposition to the former president and his policies.
Boelter's actions and the materials recovered from his vehicle indicate a deep-seated political animus and a willingness to resort to violence to express his views.
Personal life
Boelter was married to Jenny Boelter. The couple seems to have daughters – Faith, Hope, and Grace, according to public documents. According to Minnesota wedding websites that correspond with their names, two of the daughters appear to be married. Some of Boelter's five children—four daughters and a son—were homeschooled, as indicated by family members' posts.
Vance and Jenny Boelter co-led Revoformation Ministries. He was ordained as a clergyman in 1993. His personal beliefs and activities indicate a strong commitment to his faith and a history of engagement in international missions.
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