Vance Luther Boelter Suspect in the Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting

Vance Luther Boelter is the 57-year-old suspect in a politically motivated shooting spree that occurred in Minnesota on June 14, 2025.  The attacks targeted Democratic lawmakers and their families, resulting in the deaths of former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the wounding of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.    

Background and Career Boelter has a diverse background encompassing evangelical ministry, private security, and international business.  He was ordained as a clergyman in 1993 and co-founded Revoformation Ministries, an evangelical nonprofit organization.  The ministry was involved in outreach efforts in conflict zones, such as the West Bank and Gaza, during the Second Intifada.   In the security sector, Boelter served as the director of security patrol for Praetorian Guard Security Services, a private security company.  He also ran a business called Red Lion Group in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  His professional experience includes roles in large corporations and international ventures.   In 2016, Boelter was appointed to the Governor's Workforce Development Board by then-Governor Mark Dayton.  He was reappointed for a four-year term in 2019 by Governor Tim Walz.    

Political Views and Manifesto Boelter's political views were reportedly conservative.  He was registered to vote as a Republican since the early 2000s and later claimed to have "no party preference" in 2019.  A friend described him as "a conservative who voted for President Donald Trump and was strongly against abortion rights."   Investigators discovered a manifesto in Boelter's abandoned vehicle, which contained a list of 70 potential targets.  The list included Democratic politicians such as Hortman, Hoffman, Governor Walz, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.  The manifesto also targeted abortion providers and pro-choice advocates.    

The Attacks The shooting spree began in the early hours of June 14, 2025.  Boelter, disguised as a police officer and possibly wearing a latex mask, arrived at the home of State Senator John Hoffman in Champlin.  He shot Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, before fleeing the scene.  Later that morning, Boelter went to the home of Melissa and Mark Hortman in Brooklyn Park, where he fatally shot both.   Boelter's vehicle, which resembled a police SUV, was found abandoned at the scene.  Inside, authorities found the manifesto and a list of targets.  Boelter also left behind "No Kings" protest materials, which were associated with anti-Trump demonstrations.    

Law Enforcement Response Following the attacks, law enforcement agencies launched a manhunt for Boelter.  The FBI added him to its Most Wanted List and offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.  He is considered armed and dangerous.   Security measures for public officials have been heightened across Minnesota, and authorities are urging the public to report any sightings of Boelter.  He was last seen wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, dark long-sleeved shirt, and light pants.    

Aftermath and Reactions The shootings have drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum.  Governor Tim Walz described the attacks as "an act of targeted political violence."  U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, along with other officials, expressed their horror and called for justice.   The incident has sparked national discussions about political extremism and the safety of public officials.  In response, heightened security measures have been implemented, and public demonstrations have been canceled or rescheduled.