Manhunt for Minnesota Shooting Suspect Tied to Ministries and Security Work
Minnesota authorities are searching for Vance Boelter, accused of fatally shooting a lawmaker and wounding another. His ties to ministries and security work raise new concerns.
A Chilling Attack Shakes Minnesota’s Political Community
Authorities in Minnesota are urgently searching for a 57-year-old man accused of carrying out a brutal shooting spree that left a state legislator and her husband dead and another lawmaker and his spouse wounded. The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, has a complex past tied to Christian ministries and private security work in conflict zones, raising troubling questions about motive and intent.
Suspect Identified in Fatal Shooting of Legislator Melissa Hortman
Police have named Boelter as the suspect in the fatal shooting of Democratic state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also seriously injured in the Saturday morning attack. Authorities released a description of the fugitive, last seen wearing a pale cowboy hat and dark clothing, carrying a bag. A reward of up to $50,000 has been offered by the FBI for tips leading to his capture.
Former Roommate Recalls Final Contact Before Tragedy
David Carlson, 59, shared a house in Minneapolis with Boelter for over a year and said their last interaction came in the early hours of Saturday. Carlson told Reuters that Boelter sent him a haunting message around 6 a.m.: “He said he might be dead soon.” Alarmed, Carlson contacted police.
“I’ve known him since we were in fourth grade,” Carlson said. “This is devastating. I feel betrayed — and I can’t stop thinking about the families affected.”
Boelter, who worked for an eye donation center, had been living with Carlson due to the home’s proximity to his job.
A Resume Steeped in Evangelism and Global Security
Public records and Boelter’s social media paint the picture of a man involved in religious outreach and private security operations abroad. He once served as president of a Christian ministry called Revoformation, according to nonprofit tax filings. The group’s now-archived website from 2011 claimed Boelter was ordained in 1993 and had traveled to areas such as Gaza and the West Bank, attempting to engage militants in peace-based religious dialogue.
Boelter also led a company named Red Lion Group, reportedly based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and ran Praetorian Guard Security Services LLC with his wife, Jennifer — listed in state records as a manager. The firm described itself as an armed security provider, citing experience in volatile regions across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America, though these claims remain unverified.
Connections to Public Service and Political Disinterest
In 2016, Boelter was appointed to Minnesota’s Governor’s Workforce Development Board, tasked with advising on state labor strategies. Despite this public-facing role, he appeared largely apolitical, at least publicly. On LinkedIn, he once encouraged Americans to vote and keep the country in their prayers.
Minnesota’s top criminal investigator, Superintendent Drew Evans of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said investigators are still piecing together whether Boelter personally knew the victims.
“There are indications he attended public meetings where Senator Hoffman was present, but we’re unclear about the depth of that relationship,” Evans said.
Although Boelter had no formal party affiliation, his roommate recalled that he supported Donald Trump and opposed abortion — though these views were not a frequent topic of discussion between them.
A Trail of Online Activity and a Sudden Descent
Boelter’s digital footprint showed recent efforts to reenter the workforce. Just a month before the shooting, he posted on LinkedIn expressing interest in food industry jobs in Minnesota, Texas, Florida, or Washington, D.C.
Following the attack, police said Boelter fired at law enforcement officers and fled. Inside the abandoned vehicle he left behind, officers discovered a manifesto and a list of additional state officials, suggesting premeditated intent and possibly a broader target list.
Governor Tim Walz condemned the attack as a likely “politically motivated assassination” and pledged full support for the ongoing investigation.
Unraveling Motive: What Drove the Violence?
Authorities remain cautious about drawing conclusions on Boelter’s motive. “It would be premature to say definitively what fueled this,” Evans noted, referencing the writings found in the suspect’s car. However, the presence of names, personal grievances, and ideological content is prompting investigators to explore potential political or religious motivations behind the assault.
The Broader Impact: Mourning and Uncertainty
The tragic shooting has stunned the Minnesota political community and sparked renewed concerns over the safety of public officials. Colleagues, constituents, and families are grappling with grief, while law enforcement continues the manhunt.
The broader implications — whether this marks an isolated act of violence or signals a troubling trend — remain uncertain. As the investigation unfolds, questions about domestic radicalization, access to firearms, and the overlap between fringe beliefs and real-world violence are once again at the forefront.
Conclusion: A State in Shock, a Fugitive at Large
As Minnesota mourns the loss of Representative Hortman and prays for Senator Hoffman’s recovery, the urgency to locate Boelter grows. What led a man with a background in ministry and security work to allegedly commit such a heinous act remains unclear. But for now, a community waits for answers — and justice.
⚠️ (Disclaimer: This article is based on verified facts and publicly available records as of June 15, 2025. Any unverified claims or allegations have been clearly stated as such. This coverage will be updated as more information becomes available.)
Also Read: Trump Backs Biofuel Expansion With Ambitious New Blending Targets