In a shocking development, a suspect believed to be responsible for the murder of a prominent Minnesota politician was apprehended after an intense two-day manhunt. The suspect, identified as Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was arrested late Sunday. Authorities assert that this operation represented the largest search effort in the state’s history. Boelter is accused of posing as a law enforcement officer and fatally shooting former House Speaker Melissa Hortman alongside her husband, Mark, within their residence near Minneapolis. Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, characterized the incident as a “politically motivated assassination.”
Additionally, another Democratic lawmaker, Senator John Hoffman, along with his wife, Yvette, were previously targeted and wounded by the same alleged attacker at their nearby residence. Both survived the attack, but it has fueled an intense investigation.
Friends and acquaintances depict Boelter as a deeply religious individual with conservative political views. He was known to attend an evangelical church and had been present at political rallies for former President Donald Trump. Documents indicate he registered as a Republican voter in Oklahoma in 2004 before relocating to Minnesota, where political party affiliations aren’t formally registered.
Investigators reported discovering an SUV near the scene of the crime. The vehicle was modified to resemble a law enforcement patrol car. Inside, fliers for an anti-Trump “No Kings” rally and a notebook listing various political figures were found. Among the names noted were other lawmakers, advocates for abortion rights, and healthcare officials. Law enforcement sources familiar with the ongoing investigation have disclosed these details on condition of anonymity.
Superintendent Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension briefed the media, noting that Boelter is not believed to have issued any public threats prior to these attacks. “People often seek straightforward answers to complex issues,” Evans stated, urging the public to allow the investigation to proceed. He assured that these answers would emerge through the investigative process.
Despite his strong religious and conservative ideologies, Boelter was not known for vocalizing extreme political opinions among friends. One of his acquaintances, Paul Schroeder, remarked, “He was right-leaning politically but never fanatical, just strong beliefs.”
During a trip to Africa in 2023, Boelter made a rare public statement on his stance against abortion while serving as a pastor in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although his focus appeared to remain on religious and moral discussions, he did express concerns about the state of American churches regarding abortion. This aspect of his beliefs seemed concealed from those back home.
In response to the tragedy, Boelter’s church, located outside Minneapolis, issued a statement denouncing the violence, labeling it as contrary to Christian teachings. The Jordan Family Church stressed the devastating impact of the incident on their congregation and pledged full cooperation with the authorities.
Professionally, Boelter’s journey included working in management roles for food and beverage companies until he pursued a new direction in middle age. Holding advanced degrees, he co-founded Revoformation Ministries with his wife, Jenny. They later transitioned to Minnesota, where Boelter was involved in a state workforce board, serving through 2023, having been appointed by Democratic governors.
Boelter and his wife launched a security business, Praetorian Guard Security Services, in 2018. The company offered extensive security patrol services, with Boelter functioning as the director. Their operations showcased professional-looking patrol vehicles and personnel in tactical gear.
Boelter’s endeavors included international projects, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he explored commercial ventures in agriculture and transportation. A note he shared with a friend expressed satisfaction with these challenging but rewarding experiences.
Returning to the United States, Boelter faced financial difficulties and took up a position involving logistics for a funeral home. However, he left the role months ago under circumstances that remain undisclosed.
Leading up to the tragic events, Boelter had started frequently living away from his family, sharing accommodations with friends in Minneapolis. Just before the shootings, he sent an ominous text to housemates, suggesting he might soon be in a dire situation. His cryptic message implied imminent trouble without implicating others in his plans.