Authorities have identified Vance Luther Boelter, 57, as the suspect in the early-morning shooting that left one Minnesota lawmaker and her husband dead, and a second lawmaker and his wife injured. Boelter, who is the CEO of Red Lion Group and director of Praetorian Guard Security Services, was reportedly seen in a Minneapolis business in a tan cowboy hat and later wearing tactical gear with a flashlight.
Boelter’s LinkedIn page highlights his experience in security across Africa, North America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, including training with U.S. military and private firms. His family and Praetorian Guard did not immediately respond to media inquiries. Boelter was also appointed to Minnesota’s Workforce Development Board by two governors, including Gov. Mark Dayton and Gov. Tim Walz.
The Minnesota lawmakers, Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, were fatally shot in Brooklyn Park, while DFL Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were injured in Champlin. Governor Walz described the incident as ‘targeted political violence,’ emphasizing the need to hold those responsible accountable. Boelter allegedly fled through a back door after a confrontation with police, who were called to the scene following a report of a suspicious vehicle.
Authorities have not yet revealed a motive for the attacks, but several AK-style firearms and ‘No Kings’ flyers, associated with anti-Trump protests, were found at the suspect’s vehicle. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is handling the investigation, with the FBI assisting in the efforts.
Following the shootings, Boelter reportedly returned to his home, where he rented a room part-time, according to local media. He then texted his two roommates, expressing his intentions to ‘be gone for a while’ and apologizing for the ‘trouble this has caused.’ The presence of ‘No Kings’ flyers at the scene has prompted authorities to issue warnings about the potential for further violence, though there is no direct evidence linking the suspect to the anti-Trump protests.
President Donald Trump has stated that the FBI will aid in the investigation, and his administration has emphasized the need to ‘not tolerate such horrific violence in the United States.’ The FBI has directed media requests to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, indicating that the case remains under active investigation. As of now, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, with authorities urging the public to remain vigilant and provide any information that could lead to Boelter’s capture.
This tragic incident has sparked broader discussions about the impact of political tensions and the use of violence in public spaces. The incident has also prompted increased security measures and heightened awareness as similar incidents continue to occur across the country.