Latest news with #PraetorianGuard
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Minnesota shooting suspect's company claims he was ‘involved with security situations' around the world
A 57-year-old man who has been named as a suspect in the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers worked at a private-security company that says he has been involved in 'security situations' around the world, including in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. The suspect remains at large, and a manhunt is underway across the Minneapolis area. The suspect in the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers on Saturday worked at a private-security company that claims he has experience around the world. State Rep. Melissa Hortman, 55 years old, and her husband were shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park home. Elsewhere in Champlin, state Sen. John Hoffman, 60, and his wife were also shot at home and are recovering after undergoing surgery. Gov. Tim Walz described the shooting as 'an act of targeted political violence.' State authorities said they are looking for 57-year-old Vance Boelter, who remains at large with a manhunt underway across the Minneapolis area. According to the website for his company Praetorian Guard Security Services, Boelter is listed as director of security patrols, while his wife is listed as president and CEO. 'Dr. Vance Boelter 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,' the site says. 'He brings a great security aspect forged by both many on the ground experiences combined with training by both private security firms and by people in the U.S. Military.' Another member of Praetorian's leadership team includes a security training manager who is described as a retired undercover officer. The company didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Law enforcement officials said a dark SUV with police lights was parked at Hortman's home when they responded to the shooting, adding that a man dressed like a police officer was inside and opened fire on Brooklyn Park police officers before fleeing. Praetorian's website also says Boelter has worked for 'the world's largest food company based in Switzerland and the world's largest convenience retailer based in Japan.' That appears to align with a LinkedIn profile with Boelter's name and photo that includes prior jobs as a supervisor at Nestle and a 7-Eleven general manager. It doesn't mention Praetorian Guard or any prior military experience, but lists his current job as CEO of Red Lion Group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Minnesota Star Tribune cited an online video from two years ago that appears to show Boelter preaching in Congo and telling a congregation, 'I met Jesus when I was 17 years old and I gave my life to him.' The LinkedIn page also says Boelter has a doctorate in leadership and a master of science in management from Cardinal Stritch University. It says he has a bachelor's degree in international relations from St. Cloud State University. This story was originally featured on
CNN
6 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Live updates: Latest on the manhunt for gunman who shot Minnesota state lawmakers
Update: Date: 7 min ago Title: 10 things to know about the shooting suspect Content: As the search continues for the man accused of impersonating a police officer and killing State Rep. Melissa Hortman and wounding State Sen. John Hoffman, a clearer portrait of the suspect is emerging. Here's what we've learned about Vance Boelter: • Work: While his exact employment status was unknown, we know that Boelter had worked for a security company, Praetorian Guard Security Services, which advertised a fleet of 'police type vehicles' and other equipment that could potentially have aided him in appearing to be law enforcement. The firm was registered to Boelter's home address and listed a woman who is apparently his wife as president and CEO. • Religion: He is an outspoken evangelical Christian who traveled to Africa to tell his story and, in at least one sermon, pointedly questioned American morals on sexual orientation, according to videos and social media posts reviewed by CNN. • Hit list: Names on a list found in his car, which CNN obtained, are largely Democrats or figures with ties to Planned Parenthood or the abortion rights movement. The list included lawmakers such as Rep. Ilhan Omar and Sen. Tina Smith. • Political views: He largely shied away from political posts in his publicly available social media feeds and did not discuss abortion rights in any religious speeches reviewed by CNN. In one talk he gave in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023, he appeared sharply critical of LGBTQ rights. • Link to victim: He served on a state board with Hoffman, records show. In 2019, Gov. Tim Walz put Boelter on the Governor's Workforce Development Board – a group of business owners who recommend policies to the state government. It's unclear how closely Boelter and Hoffman interacted in that role, if at all. • Party affiliation: Boelter registered to vote as a Republican in the early 2000s, state records show. A state document listing his 2019 appointment to a development board noted that he had 'no party preference.' • No record: A search of Minnesota criminal records showed no cases against Boelter aside from some traffic charges. • Education: Boelter's LinkedIn page states he had a doctorate in educational leadership and a master's of science in management, both from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, and he used the prefix Dr. on his website and social media. • Family: Social media posts indicate he has multiple children. • Home: Boelter had a property outside the small town of Green Isle, about 50 miles west of Minneapolis, according to records. Read more about the suspect. CNN's Isabelle Chapman, Curt Devine, Yahya Abou-Ghazala, Anna-Maja Rappard, Scott Glover, John Miller and Rob Kuznia contributed to this report. Update: Date: 7 min ago Title: What happened on Saturday Content: State Rep. Melissa Hortman — the top Democrat in the Minnesota House — and her husband were shot and killed in the early hours of Saturday morning, according to Gov. Tim Walz. Police are now searching for 57-year-old Vance Boelter, the main suspect in the killing, who has been described by Governor Tim Walz as an apparent 'politically motivated assassination.' Boelter is also suspected of shooting Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, who survived the shooting and underwent surgery. Yvette Hoffman saved her daughter Hope's life by throwing herself on top of her, a relative told CNN affiliate KARE. Here's what we know: Update: Date: 13 min ago Title: How police found the suspect at Hortman's home Content: Police were responding to a shooting at Democratic State Sen. John Hoffman's home around 2 a.m. when officers went to check on State Rep. Melissa Hortman, who lived about 9 miles away, at around 3:35 a.m. As they arrived at her home, they encountered the suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, dressed like a police officer. As he came out of the house, he exchanged gunfire with the police before escaping on foot, leaving behind what appeared to be a police car at the scene. Police found writings in the vehicle that included a hit list with nearly 70 names. Those named are mostly Democratic politicians or figures with ties to abortion rights, including Minnesota lawmakers Rep. Ilhan Omar and Sen. Tina Smith. Boelter also had survival gear in the vehicle. Boelter is still at large. A shelter-in-place was implemented in Brooklyn Park, but lifted later on Saturday after authorities said they believed he was no longer in the area. Investigators are looking into whether he wore a latex face mask during the shootings, a law enforcement official told CNN. Read part of the police's dispatch audio to emergency services here.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Minnesota shooting suspect's company claims he was ‘involved with security situations' around the world
A 57-year-old man who has been named as a suspect in the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers worked at a private-security company that says he has been involved in 'security situations' around the world, including in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. The suspect remains at large, and a manhunt is underway across the Minneapolis area. The suspect in the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers on Saturday worked at a private-security company that claims he has experience around the world. State Rep. Melissa Hortman, 55 years old, and her husband were shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park home. Elsewhere in Champlin, state Sen. John Hoffman, 60, and his wife were also shot at home and are recovering after undergoing surgery. Gov. Tim Walz described the shooting as 'an act of targeted political violence.' State authorities said they are looking for 57-year-old Vance Boelter, who remains at large with a manhunt underway across the Minneapolis area. According to the website for his company Praetorian Guard Security Services, Boelter is listed as director of security patrols, while his wife is listed as president and CEO. 'Dr. Vance Boelter 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,' the site says. 'He brings a great security aspect forged by both many on the ground experiences combined with training by both private security firms and by people in the U.S. Military.' Another member of Praetorian's leadership team includes a security training manager who is described as a retired undercover officer. The company didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Law enforcement officials said a dark SUV with police lights was parked at Hortman's home when they responded to the shooting, adding that a man dressed like a police officer was inside and opened fire on Brooklyn Park police officers before fleeing. Praetorian's website also says Boelter has worked for 'the world's largest food company based in Switzerland and the world's largest convenience retailer based in Japan.' That appears to align with a LinkedIn profile with Boelter's name and photo that includes prior jobs as a supervisor at Nestle and a 7-Eleven general manager. It doesn't mention Praetorian Guard or any prior military experience, but lists his current job as CEO of Red Lion Group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Minnesota Star Tribune cited an online video from two years ago that appears to show Boelter preaching in Congo and telling a congregation, 'I met Jesus when I was 17 years old and I gave my life to him.' The LinkedIn page also says Boelter has a doctorate in leadership and a master of science in management from Cardinal Stritch University. It says he has a bachelor's degree in international relations from St. Cloud State University. This story was originally featured on
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Who is Vance Luther Boelter? Suspect in Minnesota lawmaker killings identified
Authorities have reportedly identified a suspect wanted in connection with an early-morning shooting that left one Minnesota lawmaker and her husband dead, and a second lawmaker and his wife injured. Vance Luther Boelter, 57, is being sought for his alleged connection with the attack, according to authorities. During a press conference, officials shared a photo of Boelter wearing a brown cowboy hat at a Minneapolis business shortly after the shootings on Saturday morning. Boelter is reportedly the CEO of Red Lion Group, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Praetorian Guard Security Services, according to Minnesota Africans United's website. Minnesota Lawmaker, Spouse, Shot Dead In 'Politically Motivated Assassination': Gov. Walz "I have been doing projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa for the last three years with the Red Lion Group," Boelter wrote on his LinkedIn page last month, noting that he is currently open to work. Read On The Fox News App Boelter possesses an extensive security background, with experience in situations in Africa, North America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East – including the Gaza Strip – according to Praetorian Guard Security Services' website. He has reportedly received security training by members of the U.S. Military and private firms. Boelter's family members, Praetorian Guard Security Services and Minnesota Africans United did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Boelter reportedly earned his PhD in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University and was previously appointed to the state's Workforce Development Board by two Minnesota governors, according to Fox 9. Minnesota Rep Killed Made Headlines Days Earlier Over Controversial Immigration Vote He was reportedly initially appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton in 2016, before being reappointed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2019 as a private sector representative to the council. Boelter's term expired in 2023. The Minnesota Workforce Development Board and Walz's administration did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman were fatally shot in Brooklyn Park early Saturday in what Walz described as "targeted political violence." 'Defund The Police' Mecca Of Minneapolis Overrun With Violence, 'Failed Leadership': Former Ag Candidate "We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence," Walz said. "Those responsible for this will be held accountable." In a related shooting, DFL Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot in Champlin. They are expected to survive and are out of surgery. According to authorities, the gunman was allegedly dressed as a uniformed police officer and was driving a vehicle that appeared to be outfitted as a fake patrol car. "[The] suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent," Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said. "That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility." The gunman allegedly escaped through a back door of Hortman's house following an exchange of gunfire with police, officials said. Violent Attacks From Anti-musk, Anti-trump Protesters Plague Nation, Compel Gop Lawmakers To Take Precautions State Police Col. Christina Bogojevic asked people to not attend any of the "No Kings" protests scheduled throughout the state Saturday. Bogojevic said authorities do not have any evidence that the suspect would be targeting the protests, but added that police had discovered a pile of "No Kings" flyers inside a vehicle believed to be tied to the gunman. President Donald Trump said in a White House statement that the FBI would aid in the investigation. "Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!" The FBI directed Fox News Digital's request for comment to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Boelter is described as having a height of 6'1" and weighing approximately 220 pounds, with authorities warning he is considered to be armed and dangerous. Officials are asking anyone with information regarding Boelter's whereabouts to call 877-996-6222. This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Original article source: Who is Vance Luther Boelter? Suspect in Minnesota lawmaker killings identified
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Who is Vance Boelter? Tim Walz appointee with armed security training in Africa named as suspect in Minnesota Democrat shootings
The suspect named in the Minnesota Democrat shootings has armed security experience and a history of public service. Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was named as the suspect for the death of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and the assassination attempt of Senator John Hoffman. Hortman and her husband were fatally shot at their home on Saturday. Hoffman and his wife were also shot at their home and left critically injured. The alleged shooter has armed security experience in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and North America through the Praetorian Guard Security Services, his biography on the site said. 'He brings a great security aspect forged by both many on the ground experiences combined with training by both private security firms and by people in the US Military,' it read. 'Vance has focused all this experience to make sure Praetorian Guard Security Services covers the needs you have to keep your family and property safe.' Boelter has also lived a life of public service before today's tragedies, and he even served on the Governor's Workforce Development Board, which works closely with Governor Tim Walz to give advice on the state's workforce. He served on the board from June 2016 to June 2018 as a private sector representative and from December 2019 to January 2023 as a board member. He was appointed under Governor Walz both times. Boelter was also the CEO of Red Lion Group, which was based in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Red Lion Group has since deleted its website and LinkedIn pages, but Boelter's LinkedIn said he started at the company in December 2021. He announced two years ago that he was in the country with his company, working on 'private business projects.' Police are still searching for Boelter as of Saturday afternoon. It comes after the at-large assailant is thought to have impersonated a police officer when he entered the Champlin residence of Senator John Hoffman and his wife early Saturday, shooting both and leaving them critically injured. The shooter then proceeded to the home of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman, where she and her husband were fatally shot. Local police, sheriff's deputies, and the FBI have launched an extensive manhunt, with SWAT teams seen moving through the sleepy Minnesota neighborhood where the shootings took place. During a Saturday morning press conference, officials said they are investigating the possibility of multiple shooters, however no one is in custody. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said the suspect's vehicle contained a 'manifesto', a list of targets including both lawmakers, and signs for an anti-Trump 'NO KINGS' rally set to be held on Saturday.
