From Boardroom to BLOODSHED – How Far He Fell?

Minnesota authorities have launched a nationwide manhunt for Vance Boelter, the suspect in targeted shootings that killed a state legislator and wounded others, as shocking evidence emerges about his connections to Governor Tim Walz.

At a Glance

  • Vance Boelter is suspected of shooting and killing Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, while injuring State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife
  • The FBI released images showing Boelter wore a police uniform and latex mask during the attacks, impersonating law enforcement
  • Boelter served as a private sector appointee on a development board for Gov. Tim Walz, while his wife Jennifer was previously Walz’s congressional intern
  • The suspect, who remains at large with a $50,000 FBI reward for information, operates Praetorian Guard Security Services with his wife
  • All Minnesota state lawmakers have been placed under protective custody as the multi-agency search continues

Political Connections and Targeted Attacks

The investigation into the deadly shootings of Minnesota lawmakers has revealed troubling connections between the suspect and state leadership. Vance Boelter, 57, identified as the gunman who killed former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark while wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, served as a private sector appointee on a development board for Governor Tim Walz. The connection deepened when investigators discovered Boelter’s wife Jennifer previously worked as an intern for Walz during his time as a congressman, raising questions about the suspect’s access and motivations.

The attacks occurred early Saturday morning when the gunman, dressed in police tactical gear, targeted the lawmakers at their homes. The FBI has confirmed Boelter wore an armored vest, carried a Taser, and disguised himself with a latex mask while impersonating a police officer to gain entry to the victims’ residences. Authorities first responded to the Hoffman home in Champlin before discovering the Hortmans had been fatally shot at their Brooklyn Park residence.

The timing of the shootings has drawn additional scrutiny as they coincided with the eight-year anniversary of the Alexandria congressional baseball practice shooting that targeted Republican lawmakers. President Trump condemned the attacks as “absolutely terrible,” reflecting the national concern over violence against elected officials.

Security Company and Concerning Evidence

Investigators have uncovered that Boelter and his wife operate a private security firm called Praetorian Guard Security Services, where he serves as “Director of Security Patrols” and she functions as CEO. The company has drawn attention for its use of vehicles resembling police cruisers. In company materials, Boelter acknowledged this similarity, stating: “We drive the same make and model of vehicles that many police departments use in the U.S. Currently we drive Ford Explorer Utility Vehicles.”

“We drive the same make and model of vehicles that many police departments use in the U.S. Currently we drive Ford Explorer Utility Vehicles”, said Vance L. Boelter

Police have executed search warrants at multiple locations connected to Boelter, including a Minneapolis residence where he rented a room part-time and his main family home in Green Isle, Minnesota. The 57-year-old suspect, who is married with five children, sent concerning text messages to roommates suggesting he might be dead soon and expressing regret over his choices. During searches of Boelter’s vehicles, authorities discovered receipts for items used in the shootings, firmly establishing his connection to the crimes.

Ongoing Manhunt and Safety Measures

The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest and conviction. Authorities describe him as 6’1″, 220 pounds, with brown hair and eyes, possibly wearing a light-colored cowboy hat. While Brooklyn Park has lifted its shelter-in-place order, the search for Boelter continues with multiple agencies involved, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Anyone with information about Boelter’s whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI tipline at 1-800-225-5324 or call 877-996-6222.

Minnesota officials have implemented extraordinary security measures, placing all state lawmakers under protective custody following the attacks. Melissa Hortman, who served as Minnesota House Speaker from 2019 to 2025, was a prominent Democratic leader in the state. The shootings have sent shockwaves through Minnesota’s political community and raised serious questions about the safety of public officials nationwide as authorities continue their pursuit of the suspect.

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