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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Search intensifies for suspect in deadly attack on Minnesota lawmakers: Live updates
A massive search intensified Sunday for a suspect wanted in a chilling and deadly attack on Minnesota lawmakers a day earlier. The suspect, identified by authorities as Vance Luther Boelter, 57, posed as a law enforcement officer to gain access to the victims' homes in the pre-dawn hours on Saturday, officials said. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who called the attack a 'politically motivated assassination,' said state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed, and State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times and wounded in in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, two neighboring suburban cities 10 to 20 miles outside Minneapolis. The suspect in the attacks had been seen earlier Saturday wearing a light colored cowboy hat, a dark colored long sleeved collared shirt or coat with a dark bag, police said. The FBI offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information that could lead to an arrest. David Carlson, 59, told Reuters that he had been sharing a house in Minneapolis with Boelter, who he had known since the fourth grade, for a little more than a year and last saw him on Friday night. Then about 6 a.m. on Saturday, he received a text from Boelter. "He said that he might be dead soon," said Carlson, who called police. Boelter is a St. Cloud State University graduate, according to SCSU spokesperson Zach Dwyer. Boelter wrote on his LinkedIn page that he was the CEO of a company called "Red Lion Group" and that he has traveled to Congo and several other countries, but those claims have not been confirmed. Boelter is also listed on a website of a company called Praetorian Guard Security Services, which lists him as director of security patrols. The website describes him as involved with 'security situations' overseas, including Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. In 2019, Walz named Boelter and dozens of others to his Governor's Workforce Development Board, which according to the governor's website assists the governor in "developing, implementing, and modifying the state plan, review of statewide policies and programs, providing recommendations on actions to align and improve the workforce development system and programs," and other state matters. Hoffman and Hortman are both members of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. Hoffman, 60, and his wife, Yvette, have one child and live in Champlin, according to his lawmaker profile. He was first elected in 2012. Hortman and her husband, Mark, have two children and live in Brooklyn Park, according to her profile. She was elected in 2004. The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) is a political party exclusive to Minnesota that was formed in 1944 when the Minnesota Democratic Party and the Minnesota Farmer-Labor Party merged. Hortman was Speaker-Emerita of the House of Representatives, which is narrowly controlled by Republicans. Hortman served her constituents with compassion and grace, Walz said. 'Our state lost a great leader and I lost the dearest of friends, he said. "She woke up every day determined to make this state a better place.' Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, Eduardo Cuevas; Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota lawmakers' shooting updates: Search intensifies for suspect
International Business Times
4 hours ago
- International Business Times
Who Is Jenny Boelter? Wife of Suspected Minnesota Assassin Vance Boelter Detained after Traffic Stop as Cops Find Multiple Passports, Weapon in Car
The wife of alleged political assassin Vance Boelter was detained and is currently being interrogated after police found a weapon, ammunition, cash, and passports in her car during a traffic stop on Saturday morning, according to a report. Jenny Boelter was pulled over by police around 10 a.m. on Saturday while traveling with several family members near Onamia, Minnesota, according to local outlet KTSP. In the car Jenny had a weapon, ammunition, cash, and multiple passports, according to law enforcement sources cited in the report. Two police vehicles remained at the scene for nearly two to three hours. Jenny was then taken in for questioning but was not formally arrested. Assassin's Wife Nabbed It remains unclear whether Vance and Jenny were living together, as Vance was known to live at a home in Camden, Minnesota, which was searched by SWAT teams on Saturday afternoon. The couple earlier ran a business together called Praetorian Guard Security. Jenny was the President and CEO of the firm, was billed as bringing "years of organizational operations and logistical oversight," according to the company's website. Vance Luther Boelter lists himself on LinkedIn as the CEO of the Red Lion Group, a company in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also worked with Minnesota Africans United, a statewide organization that supports African immigrants in Minnesota, according to a biography that has since been removed from the organization's website. A video from 2022 shows Boelter as a keynote speaker in his role as CEO of Red Lion Group at a seminar co-hosted by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Minnesota Africans United, and Global Minnesota. Boelter made the call from Moanda in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he discussed the Red Lion Group's projects and operations within the country. "This all started back in 2019, when my partner, McNay Nkashama, brought in the ambassador from the DRC to Minnesota, and we had meetings, the bulk of them in Minneapolis but the bulk of them that I was at was in Worthington, Minnesota where we made those connections," Boetler said. The alleged gunman talked about launching multiple agricultural pilot programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which he said would "create a lot of jobs fast" and "serve as a model" for future investment in the country. He also said that he was involved in various business sectors across the DRC, including fishing, agriculture, media, security, and motorcycle taxi services. Still on the Run Minnesota Africans United told The New York Post that Boelter was never employed by them, never received any payments, and was never involved with the organization in any official or unofficial role. Disturbing images released by the FBI allegedly show Boelter wearing a creepy, Halloween-style latex mask resembling a bald, wrinkled man. A home security camera captured a snapshot of the masked figure dressed in what appeared to be a police uniform, holding a flashlight near his face while standing at the front door—possibly of one of the targeted legislators. Boelter, 57, is suspected of posing as a police officer during the attacks. He and his wife, Jenny, are believed to run Praetorian Guard Security Services, a Minnesota-based company that claims to offer personalized security solutions to protect people's homes and properties, according to its website. The company's site mentions that Boelter has been involved in various security operations across Eastern Europe, Africa, North America, and the Middle East—including areas such as the West Bank, Southern Lebanon, and the Gaza Strip. Last month, Boelter indicated that he was seeking new job opportunities. His employment history highlights more experience in the food industry than in security. According to his LinkedIn profile, Boelter worked as a general manager at 7-Eleven from 2016 to 2021. He also held managerial positions at Del Monte, Johnsonville Sausage, and Greencore, a company based in the UK that produces ready-to-eat foods. Boelter was appointed twice to state roles in Minnesota by Democratic governors. In 2016, then-Governor Mark Dayton appointed him to the Workforce Development Council. Three years later, in 2019, Governor Tim Walz selected him to serve a four-year term on the Workforce Development Board, according to official records. Boelter last registered as a Republican voter in 2022. In a LinkedIn post dated November 5, 2018, he urged others to vote in the upcoming presidential election and shared concerns about its possible results. "I am very big on just telling people to be a part of the process and vote your values and be part of this adventure we are all a part of living in the United States of America," he wrote. "I think the election is going to have more of an impact on the direction of our country than probably any election we have been apart of, or will be apart of for years to come." Boelter completed his undergraduate studies in international relations at St. Cloud State University according to his LinkedIn profile. He later earned a Master of Science in Management and a Doctorate in Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University. Law enforcement is desperately looking for Boelter, who remains at large after allegedly shooting State Senator John Hoffman and his wife inside their Champlin home early Saturday morning, leaving them both in critical condition. He then proceeded to the home of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman, where he is believed to have fatally shot her and her husband. The suspect reportedly exchanged gunfire with officers who arrived at Hortman's home and was briefly trapped inside, but ultimately managed to slip away. Authorities say he left behind a "manifesto" that included the names of 70 politicians—among them Walz—as well as a stack of documents bearing the phrase "No Kings," a reference to the nationwide anti-Trump demonstrations that took place Saturday.
International Business Times
7 hours ago
- International Business Times
Vance Luther Boelter: Minnesota Mad Who Killed Lawmaker and Shot Another Runs Security Company and Ties to Africa and Middle East
The Minnesota man wanted in connection with the Saturday morning killing of a state legislator and the shooting of another runs a security agency and reportedly has links to the Middle East and Africa, his online biographies showed. Vance Luther Boelter lists himself on LinkedIn as the CEO of the Red Lion Group, a company in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also worked with Minnesota Africans United, a statewide organization that supports African immigrants in Minnesota, according to a biography that has since been removed from the organization's website. This came as Boelter remained on the run after slipping out if the hands of cops after the two killings. Deep Ties with Middle East and Africa A video from 2022 shows Boelter as a keynote speaker in his role as CEO of Red Lion Group at a seminar co-hosted by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Minnesota Africans United, and Global Minnesota. Boelter made the call from Moanda in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he discussed the Red Lion Group's projects and operations within the country. "This all started back in 2019, when my partner, McNay Nkashama, brought in the ambassador from the DRC to Minnesota, and we had meetings, the bulk of them in Minneapolis but the bulk of them that I was at was in Worthington, Minnesota where we made those connections," Boetler said. The alleged gunman talked about launching multiple agricultural pilot programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which he said would "create a lot of jobs fast" and "serve as a model" for future investment in the country. He also said that he was involved in various business sectors across the DRC, including fishing, agriculture, media, security, and motorcycle taxi services. "We're partnering with 400 farmers who are ready to go on a farming project... we're doing a fishing project that works with like 500 off the coast of Rwanda," Boelter claimed in a quintessential Minnesota accent. "Another one that we're looking at doing is a totally women led motorcycle-taxi business, where all the operators are women, and the leadership is women, so we're excited to get that off the ground," Boelter stated, according to the video. "I would like to get 1,000 female motorcycle-taxis running in the near future but we need some sponsors to invest in that," the suspected assassin said. Assassin on the Run Minnesota Africans United told The New York Post that Boelter was never employed by them, never received any payments, and was never involved with the organization in any official or unofficial role. Disturbing images released by the FBI allegedly show Boelter wearing a creepy, Halloween-style latex mask resembling a bald, wrinkled man. A home security camera captured a snapshot of the masked figure dressed in what appeared to be a police uniform, holding a flashlight near his face while standing at the front door—possibly of one of the targeted legislators. Boelter, 57, is suspected of posing as a police officer during the attacks. He and his wife, Jenny, are believed to run Praetorian Guard Security Services, a Minnesota-based company that claims to offer personalized security solutions to protect people's homes and properties, according to its website. The company's site mentions that Boelter has been involved in various security operations across Eastern Europe, Africa, North America, and the Middle East—including areas such as the West Bank, Southern Lebanon, and the Gaza Strip. Last month, Boelter indicated that he was seeking new job opportunities. His employment history highlights more experience in the food industry than in security. According to his LinkedIn profile, Boelter worked as a general manager at 7-Eleven from 2016 to 2021. He also held managerial positions at Del Monte, Johnsonville Sausage, and Greencore, a company based in the UK that produces ready-to-eat foods. Boelter was appointed twice to state roles in Minnesota by Democratic governors. In 2016, then-Governor Mark Dayton appointed him to the Workforce Development Council. Three years later, in 2019, Governor Tim Walz selected him to serve a four-year term on the Workforce Development Board, according to official records. Boelter last registered as a Republican voter in 2022. In a LinkedIn post dated November 5, 2018, he urged others to vote in the upcoming presidential election and shared concerns about its possible results. "I am very big on just telling people to be a part of the process and vote your values and be part of this adventure we are all a part of living in the United States of America," he wrote. "I think the election is going to have more of an impact on the direction of our country than probably any election we have been apart of, or will be apart of for years to come." Boelter completed his undergraduate studies in international relations at St. Cloud State University according to his LinkedIn profile. He later earned a Master of Science in Management and a Doctorate in Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University. Law enforcement is desperately looking for Boelter, who remains at large after allegedly shooting State Senator John Hoffman and his wife inside their Champlin home early Saturday morning, leaving them both in critical condition. He then proceeded to the home of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman, where he is believed to have fatally shot her and her husband.
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Unearthed video shows Minnesota shooting suspect dancing at bizarre religious ceremony as links to Africa are revealed
Newly unearthed video shows Vance Boelter, the subject of a massive FBI manhunt, dancing in a church service as his links to Africa were revealed. The video, filmed in February 2023, shows Boelter, 57, delivering a passionate testimony about how he met Jesus at the age of 17. 'I met the Lord when I was 17 years old and I gave my life to Jesus Christ,' he says in the clip. He goes on to describe naming his five children after Christian virtues, Grace, Faith, Hope, Joy, and David, in what he calls a testament to God's blessings on his life. But Boelter the preacher is now the prime suspect in what authorities have described as a targeted political assassination. Boelter is accused of posing as a police officer and fatally shooting Democratic Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband inside their Brooklyn Park home early on Saturday. Hours earlier, Boelter allegedly shot and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home in nearby Champlin. In that case, both victims survived but remain in hospital The video shows Boelter not only preaching but also describing himself as a man transformed by God. His passionate 25 minute sermon stands in stark contrast to the grim reality of the manhunt now underway. The footage comes to light as it was revealed Boelter was the CEO of a security company called The Red Lion Group, which is 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 also worked with Minnesota Africans United, a statewide organization working with African immigrants in the state. Two years ago, Boelter announced ago that he was in the country with his company, working on 'private business projects.' He claimed to have business ventures in a host of industries including fishing, farming, media, security, and motorcycle-taxis all within the Democratic Republic of Congo. 'We're partnering with 400 farmers who are ready to go on a farming project… we're doing a fishing project that works with like 500 fishermans…that's off the coast of Rwanda,' Boelter stated in an online video. 'Another one that we're looking at doing is a totally women led motorcycle-taxi business, where all the operators are women, and the leadership is women, so we're excited to get that off the ground,' Boelter explained in his pitch. 'I would like to get 1,000 female motorcycle-taxis running in the near future but we need some sponsors to invest in that,' he went on. About one month ago Boelter updated his LinkedIn to say he had returned to the US and was looking for work in the food industry on the corporate side. 'I'm looking for roles in Texas, Minnesota, Florida, and Washington DC-Baltimore area ideally, but would look at other locations if I felt it was a good fit,' he wrote. Boelter also has armed security experience in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and North America through the Praetorian Guard Security Services, a biography about him 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 reads. '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.' He had previously worked at 7-Eleven and Geencore as a general manager, a system manager at Del Monte Foods, and a operational leader at Johnsonville Sausage, according to his LinkedIn. His LinkedIn also revealed his deep connections to politics, as he asked his followers to vote ahead of the 2020 election. Boelter, a husband and father-of-five, holds degrees in international relations, management, and leadership for the advancement of learning and service from various Minnesota and Wisconsin universities. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter's arrest, and authorities have described him as armed, dangerous, and potentially targeting more lawmakers. The footage shows Boelter delivering an emotionally charged sermon to a small congregation. He can be heard preaching about repentance, God's plan, and the power of faith as the ultimate equalizer between rich and poor. At one point, he describes his family as a divine gift and says, 'God has a plan for each of us... and no one can take you out of it - only you can walk away.' The message is intensely spiritual while also laced with a level of determination that authorities now fear may have spiraled into extremist belief. Law enforcement sources say Boelter left behind 'No Kings' flyers and written manifestos naming Hortman, Hoffman, and other elected officials. Though officials have not publicly stated a motive, one source said that Boelter's writings expressed rage toward pro-choice lawmakers and contained elements of anti-government ideology. Boelter is a former political appointee who served on Minnesota's workforce development board - the same one as Senator Hoffman, though it's unclear how well the two men knew each other. He also ran a private security firm with his wife, Praetorian Guard Security Services, which promoted armed event security and featured imagery of tactical gear and patrol vehicles resembling police cruisers. Police say Boelter used that look to his advantage. After allegedly shooting the Hoffmans around 2am, officers responded to the second scene at Hortman's house and found Boelter outside, dressed as a law enforcement officer and standing next to a police-style vehicle. When they approached, he opened fire and escaped on foot during the exchange. Inside his vehicle, investigators recovered multiple AK-style rifles. Authorities say he is still believed to be armed with a pistol. Governor Tim Walz called the killings 'a politically motivated assassination' and warned of broader threats against public officials in a nation increasingly beset by political violence. 'We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,' Walz said at a press conference earlier in the day as he ordered flags to fly at half-staff in Hortman's honor. The former House Speaker, 55, was a central figure in Minnesota politics, known for her support of expanded abortion access and her role in a high-profile standoff with Republicans earlier this year. Her husband, Mark Hortman, died later at the hospital. Autopsies show both died from multiple gunshot wounds. Hoffman, 60, remains in critical but stable condition after surgery. Walz said he is 'cautiously optimistic' about the senator's recovery. The attacks prompted a sweeping security response across the Twin Cities, including the cancellation of several anti-Trump 'No Kings' demonstrations that Boelter may have been monitoring. State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic said the suspect's car contained flyers from the group and writings that mentioned potential future targets. Boelter reportedly texted friends just before the shootings, writing cryptically: 'I've made some choices... I'm going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly. I just want to let you know I love you guys and I wish it hadn't gone this way.' As the FBI, state police, and local law enforcement fan out in search of him, residents remain shaken by the attacks. 'This is crazy - someone going after representatives?' said Douglas Thompson, a Brooklyn Park resident. 'This is wrong. I'm hoping they'll catch him.'
Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Vance Boelter: What we know about alleged Minnesota assassin's ties to Middle East and Africa
Minnesota shooter Vance Luther Boelter's online biographies show that he runs a security company and has ties to the Middle East and Africa. On LinkedIn, Boelter lists himself as the CEO of the Red Lion Group, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Boelter is on the loose and is being sought in connection to several shootings, including that of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in their Champlin home early Saturday, June 14, leaving them seriously injured. He then went to former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortmon's house, where he allegedly killed her and her husband, police sources told the New York Post. Besides his association with the Red Lion Group, Boelter claimed to have worked with Minnesota Africans United too, an organization known for working with African immigrants in the state, according to a now-deleted biography on the group's website. However, Minnesota Africans United told the New York Post that they never hired, paid, or contracted Boetler, and that he never served in the organization, neither in an official nor an unofficial capacity. Boelter and his wife, Jenny, appear to head Praetorian Guard Security Services, a Minnesota-based company 'here to set up security options and provide security services right to your doorstep and property to keep what you own safe and secure,' per its website. According to the website, Boelter has 'been involved in security situations' in Eastern Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East, 'including the West Bank, Southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.' Meanwhile, a video surfacing on Facebook shows Boelter speaking at a seminar held jointly by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Minnesota Africans United and Global Minnesota. One video on Facebook shows Boelter participating as a keynote speaker in his capacity as CEO of Red Lion Group for the seminar in 2022. He conducted the call from Moanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and spoke of the Red Lion Group's ventures in the African nation.
