Latest news with #armedsecurity
Washington Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
What we know about the at-large suspect in Minnesota lawmaker shooting
The gunman suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses worked for an armed home security company and had done security work overseas, while also proselytizing to bring Christianity to 'Islamic militants,' according to a digital trail that includes federal tax documents and his own websites and profiles. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Vance Luther Boelter, who is accused of impersonating a police officer and targeting two Democratic state lawmakers at their homes on Saturday in an act of politically motivated violence.
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.
