Who is Vance Luther Boelter? Suspect in Minnesota lawmaker killings identified
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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 tan cowboy hat at a Minneapolis business shortly after the shootings on Saturday morning. An additional photo released by authorities shows the masked suspect wearing police-like tactical gear and carrying a flashlight.
Boelter is reportedly the CEO of Red Lion Group, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to his LinkedIn page. He is also listed as the director of Praetorian Guard Security Services, a security firm his wife reportedly filed to create, according to the company’s website.
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“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.
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, with the business’ website showcasing photos of tactical gear and other law enforcement-style uniforms.
Boelter’s family members and Praetorian Guard Security Services 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.
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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. He previously served on the same board as Hoffman before his term expired in 2023.
The Minnesota Workforce Development Board did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot in Brooklyn Park early Saturday in what Walz described as “targeted political violence.”
“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.
Police were called to the Hoffmans’ home shortly after 2 a.m. Upon finding the couple suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, officers were sent to Hortman’s home as a precautionary measure. When they arrived, authorities encountered an individual dressed as a police officer at the front door of the home and what appeared to be a patrol car parked outside.
“[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.
Hortman reportedly died at the scene, while her husband was transported to the hospital and later pronounced dead.
Following the shooting, Boelter reportedly returned to his home, where he rented a room part-time, according to Fox 9. He then texted his two roommates, saying “I love you guys. I’ve made some choices and you guys don’t know anything about this, but I’m going to be gone for a while. I’ll be dead shortly. So I just want to let you know that I love you guys both. And wish it hand’s gone this way. I don’t want to say anything more, and implicate you in any way because you guys don’t know anything about this, but I love you guys and I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused,” the local outlet reported.
Several AK-style firearms were recovered from the suspect’s vehicle, along with a pile of “No Kings” flyers – a nod to the anti-Trump administration protests sweeping the nation this weekend. Boelter is believed to be armed with a pistol.
Following the discovery, State Police Col. Christina Bogojevic asked people to not attend any of the 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.
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“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.
Authorities did not reveal a possible motive for the violence.
The Burnsville Police Department reminded the public to “stay safe and alert.”
“In light of today’s heartbreaking events involving MN lawmakers, we want to remind you to stay alert & safe. If something doesn’t feel right, call 911. Our dispatchers can verify officer identities in real time. Thank you for helping us keep Burnsville safe. We’re here for you,” the department wrote in a statement on X.
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. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest. Officials are asking anyone with knowledge regarding his whereabouts to call 877-996-6222.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price and The Associated Press contributed to the report.