Gunman Who Posed as Cop to Target Lawmakers Identified
After Boelter’s apprehension Sunday night in Sibley County. Via Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office
Rep. Melissa Hortman (L) and Sen. John Hoffman
Photo listed on the Praetorian Guard Security Services website identifying Vance Boelter as the company’s Director of Security Patrols.
Authorities have identified the suspect sought in a string of targeted attacks on Minnesota lawmakers as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, according to new information confirmed Saturday.
Boelter is being actively sought in connection with the overnight shootings at the homes of State Representative Melissa Hortman and State Senator John Hoffman.
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Sources confirmed his identity to the Associated Press. The shootings, which occurred in Champlin and Brooklyn Park early Friday morning, left two dead and two others wounded. The attacks triggered an extensive manhunt that remains ongoing.
PREVIOUSLY: Gunman Posing as Cop Targets Lawmakers in Fatal Overnight Attacks
Boelter, who most recently listed an address in Green Isle, Minnesota, has a background that includes prior government appointments. State records show he was twice named to the nonpartisan Governor’s Workforce Development Council—first in 2016 under then-Gov. Mark Dayton and again in 2019 under Gov. Tim Walz. His most recent term ended in January 2023.
In addition, Boelter is listed as a “Director of Security Patrols” for a private firm known as Praetorian Guard Security Services. A company biography describes him as having security experience across Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America, including work in Gaza, Southern Lebanon and the West Bank. The same description claims he has received training from both private contractors and U.S. military personnel, and has worked with major global corporations in the energy, food and retail sectors.
X: Original thread on the shootings
Investigators believe Boelter impersonated a law enforcement officer during the attacks, wearing tactical gear and arriving in a dark SUV. At around 2 a.m., he reportedly shot two people at Hoffman’s residence in Champlin before fleeing.
Around 3:30 a.m., police were checking on Hortman’s home in Brooklyn Park when they encountered a man exiting the residence wearing law enforcement-style clothing. Officers say the man opened fire on them and then fled out the back of the home. A look-alike police vehicle was found in the driveway with lights activated. Authorities say the suspect was wearing a tactical-style vest, badge, and taser at the time of the encounter.
A manifesto naming multiple lawmakers and officials was recovered from the suspect’s vehicle, and sources say authorities are taking the threat seriously amid heightened security across the Twin Cities, and even cancelling events scheduled in Brooklyn Park and a planned protest at the Minnesota State Capitol.
A motive has not been publicly confirmed, and law enforcement agencies from multiple jurisdictions continue to assist in the search for Boelter.
Anyone with information about Boelter’s whereabouts is urged to contact authorities immediately.
UPDATE | 5:30 p.m., Sunday
Authorities say the search for 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter remains active across Sibley County and the state of Minnesota as law enforcement continues to investigate the targeted shootings that left Minnesota House Rep. Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman dead. Boelter has not been located, and authorities say he is the subject of both a state and federal warrant.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said Sunday evening that a nationwide warrant has been issued for Boelter’s arrest on state-level charges of murder and attempted murder. A separate federal warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution has also been filed.
Evans confirmed that more than 100 law enforcement officers, including multiple SWAT teams, are actively working in Sibley County, where Boelter’s vehicle was found early Sunday morning. Investigators also recovered a hat believed to belong to Boelter near the abandoned vehicle.
Evans said the search efforts in Sibley County will continue until the area has been thoroughly cleared. He encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to local law enforcement or the tip line. Officials say they have received more than 400 tips since the investigation began.
Boelter is not in custody as of Sunday evening. Evans said investigators are continuing to conduct interviews to learn more about his potential whereabouts and again urged Boelter to surrender to authorities.
Minnesota officials around the state have been offering their condolences to those impacted by the targeted assassinations:
“I want to express my profound sorrow about the death of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shooting of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Rep. Hortman devoted her life to public service, championing the marginalized and advancing justice. I was always moved by her unshakable belief in the power of democracy to improve people’s lives. Her death is not only personally devastating, but also leaves a deep void in the heart of our state.”
“My thoughts are with Rep. Hortman’s family, friends, and all who grieve this tragic loss. I also extend my heartfelt wishes for a full and speedy recovery to Sen. Hoffman and his wife. As we mourn together, may we remember that Rep. Hortman’s light will live on in all of us who champion democracy and pursue justice,” —Statement from Minnesota Chief Justice Natalie Hudson on Sunday night.
UPDATE | 9:30 p.m., Sunday
Multiple sources are reporting that Boelter was apprehended a short time ago in Sibley County. A wide search ensued earlier today when the suspect's vehicle was found abandoned. More than 100 law enforcement officers and multiple SWAT teams worked to search near Green Isle.
Boelter is believed to have a property in the area, and had remained on-the-run since early Saturday morning after the shootings took place in Brooklyn Park and Champlin.
Near Green Isle on Sunday night, Boelter was reportedly spotted with a law enforcement drone and he was tracked until eventually surrendering, taken into custody a short time later.
More details on his apprehension are expected soon.
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