Suspect in Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting Tied to Evangelical Ministries, Global Security Work, and Political Writings
- Victor Nwoko
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
Suspect in Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting Tied to Evangelical Ministries, Global Security Work, and Political Writings
A nationwide manhunt is underway for Vance Luther Boelter, 57, identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the wounding of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Authorities have described the attack as a politically motivated assassination.
Boelter, who is considered armed and dangerous, was last seen on Saturday morning wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, dark long-sleeve shirt or coat, light pants, and carrying a dark bag. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
According to public records, social media accounts, and past online activity, Boelter claimed extensive experience in global security and ministry work. He presented himself as a Christian minister, security specialist, and CEO of Red Lion Group, an organization based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He also co-ran Praetorian Guard Security Services LLC, which he claimed handled armed guard services internationally, with experience in conflict zones including Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Africa.
Boelter’s biography stated he was ordained as a minister in 1993 and that he was raised in Sleepy Eye, a small town in southern Minnesota. Archived pages from his now-defunct ministry organization, Revoformation, show that he had once traveled to violent regions of the Middle East, including areas experiencing suicide bombings, allegedly to preach against violence and spread the gospel.
He had also been appointed in 2016 to the Minnesota Governor's Workforce Development Board, serving as a business and industry representative. His term extended under both Governor Mark Dayton and Governor Tim Walz. While it remains unclear whether Boelter knew the lawmakers personally, officials acknowledged that there was some overlap at public meetings between Boelter and Senator Hoffman.
David Carlson, 59, a longtime friend and roommate of Boelter in Minneapolis, told authorities that Boelter had sent him a disturbing text at 6 a.m. on the day of the shootings, saying he “might be dead soon.” Carlson, who had known Boelter since childhood, said he felt betrayed and heartbroken for the victims, adding, “His family has got to suffer through this.”
Law enforcement reported that after fleeing on foot, Boelter fired at police officers, then abandoned a vehicle. Inside, authorities discovered a “manifesto” and a list of targeted individuals, including state legislators, abortion providers, and pro-abortion rights advocates.
Boelter’s LinkedIn profile described him as a nonpartisan voter and included a post encouraging civic engagement: “If you believe in prayer, please keep the United States in your prayers.” Though he previously voted for Donald Trump, his roommate emphasized that Boelter was not outwardly angry about politics.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said investigators are still analyzing the writings and motivations behind the attack: “It would be premature… to say exactly what the motivation might be from these writings.”
Governor Tim Walz described the incident as an act of domestic political violence, stating, “This appears to be a politically motivated assassination.”
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