Religious Conservative Accused in Killing of Minnesota House Speaker

Vance Boelter is accused of killing Minnesota Democrat Melissa Hortman in a political shooting, sparking a multistate manhunt.

NEW YORK (WE) — Authorities have launched a multistate manhunt for 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, the man accused of assassinating former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. Boelter allegedly impersonated a police officer and shot Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their home outside Minneapolis.

Earlier that same day, Boelter also shot Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home nearby. Fortunately, both survived. Governor Tim Walz called the incident a “politically motivated assassination.”

Inside a suspicious SUV found near the crime scene, investigators discovered fliers for an anti-Trump “No Kings” rally and a notebook. That notebook reportedly listed the names of lawmakers, abortion rights supporters, and health officials. Two officials close to the investigation confirmed this to the Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity.

So far, investigators have found no evidence that Boelter made public threats before the shooting spree. Nevertheless, Drew Evans, head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, asked the public not to jump to conclusions. “We often want easy answers for complex problems,” he explained. “But those answers will only come after we complete the full investigation.”

Boelter’s friends described him as conservative and religious. However, he did not often speak about politics. “He was right-leaning politically but never fanatical, from what I saw,” said longtime friend Paul Schroeder. “He had strong beliefs but rarely voiced them loudly.”

In 2023, Boelter traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he preached in evangelical churches. During one sermon, he criticized American churches for tolerating abortion. In a February sermon, he said, “The churches are so messed up; they don’t realize abortion is wrong.” Someone recorded and shared the sermon online.

Still, his sermons focused more on morality and faith than on politics. In fact, out of three lengthy sermons reviewed by AP, abortion was mentioned only once. This indicates he may have kept his more extreme views hidden from his community back home.

Meanwhile, in Minnesota, those who knew him were unaware of any radical beliefs. “He never talked to me about abortion,” Schroeder said. “He just seemed like a conservative Republican who naturally followed Donald Trump.”

Boelter was a married father of five. In 2023, he and his wife bought a large home on a rural lot about an hour outside Minneapolis. Property records show that Boelter and his wife bought the 3,800-square-foot home for over $500,000

For most of his career, Boelter held managerial positions in the food and beverage industry. However, he later changed direction. He went back to school, earning a doctorate in leadership studies from Cardinal Stritch University in Wisconsin, a private Catholic school that has since closed.

In Wisconsin, he and his wife, Jenny, founded a nonprofit called Revoformation Ministries, listing themselves as president and secretary. Later, after relocating to Minnesota, Boelter served on the state’s Workforce Development Board. Former Governor Mark Dayton appointed him in 2016, and Governor Walz reappointed him. He served until 2023.

It’s unclear how well Boelter knew Senator Hoffman, who also served on that board. Nonetheless, their paths may have crossed in that setting.

In 2018, Boelter and his wife launched Praetorian Guard Security Services, a private security firm. The company’s website shows Boelter as director of patrols and his wife as president. The homepage features photos of armed guards, tactical gear, and a black-and-silver SUV resembling a police vehicle.

Read More:

• No Kings’ Demonstrator Dies After Being Shot at Utah Protest, Police Say
• No Kings Protest Unites Thousands in San Francisco Against Authoritarianism
• Kilmar Abrego Garcia Pleads Not Guilty to Human Trafficking Charges

Additionally, Boelter presented himself as a global security contractor. He claimed to have worked in Africa and the Middle East. During his 2023 trip to Congo, he told friend Chris Fuller he had launched businesses focused on farming, fishing, and transportation. “It has been a very fun and rewarding experience”.

However, signs of financial strain began to appear after he returned home. In August, Boelter took a job transporting deceased individuals from assisted living homes. He worked for Metro First Call, a Minneapolis-based funeral transport service. Boelter reportedly told friends he needed the income to pay bills.

According to owner Tim Koch, Boelter left the job voluntarily four months ago. Koch declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation. “This is devastating news for all involved,” he said.

Following his resignation, Boelter began staying away from home. He rented a room in a modest north Minneapolis home shared with friends. Police executed a search warrant on that property Saturday as part of their ongoing probe.

In a final message to his roommates, Boelter hinted at what he was about to do. “May be dead shortly,” he texted. “I love you guys… I’m sorry for the trouble this has caused.” He made it clear he wanted to shield them from blame. “I don’t want to implicate you in any way because you don’t know anything about this,” he wrote.

So far, law enforcement has not determined what triggered the shootings. However, investigators are reviewing Boelter’s financial records, past employment, and communications. They’re also analyzing his online activity and church affiliations. The FBI is assisting with the case.

Though Minnesota does not track voter party affiliation, public records show Boelter registered as a Republican in Oklahoma in 2004. Friends confirmed that he had attended multiple Trump rallies and belonged to a local evangelical church. Still, none of them described him as radical or unstable.

Boelter’s SUV was customized to resemble a police vehicle. It had decals, a light bar, and the word “Praetorian” on the side. Interestingly, the same SUV appears in company marketing photos for his private security firm.

In addition to the fliers and tactical gear found in the vehicle, police recovered a handwritten list of names. That list reportedly included elected officials, abortion-rights leaders, and public health experts. As a result, officials are now working to determine whether these individuals were also intended targets.

Meanwhile, the broader political community is reeling from the attack. Hortman had served as House Speaker and was known for championing education and labor reforms. Her death sent shockwaves through the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), which mourned her passing.

Governor Walz issued a statement calling the shooting an “attack on democracy.” He ordered flags flown at half-staff. “This act of domestic terrorism shakes the foundation of our democracy,” he said.

Across the country, lawmakers are demanding more security for elected officials. The Capitol Police and state agencies have issued warnings about potential threats, especially for those working on abortion rights and public health.

The case also highlights rising concerns about political violence driven by ideology. Experts note that Boelter’s background — religious zeal, political grievance, military aesthetics — resembles other lone-actor cases. Accordingly, analysts are urging law enforcement to increase monitoring of similar risk factors.

At this point, Boelter remains at large. Authorities consider him armed and extremely dangerous. Anyone with information is urged to contact local law enforcement or the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Ultimately, Boelter’s descent from nonprofit leader and government appointee to suspected assassin has left friends, neighbors, and the public in disbelief. As the investigation unfolds, the tragedy serves as a painful reminder of what can happen when political and personal crises collide.