Vance Luther Boelter

The suspect in the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband, and the shooting of another lawmaker and his wife, is a political appointee of the state’s governor and last year’s Democratic vice presidential candidate, Tim Walz.

He is Vance Luther Boelter, 57, appointed by Walz in 2019 to serve on the governor’s Workforce Development Board. Boelter reportedly also leads an international security firm.

State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in the attack at their home, which took place after 2 a.m. Saturday. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife are alive after the attack at their home, but wounded. Both lawmakers were Democrats. According to reports, Boelter, who is still at large, was dressed as a police officer when he approached the homes.

In a statement, Walz called the assassinations and attempts acts of “targeted political violence.”

? #BREAKING: Dr. Vance Boelter, the Tim Walz appointee who ALLEGEDLY kiIIed Rep. Melissa Hortman, is the Director of Security Patrols at a security firm in MN

This explains how he would have access to a “law enforcement-like” vehicle and uniform, as police have reported.

He… pic.twitter.com/oPEeElIFn8

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 14, 2025

The Gateway Pundit reports that Boelter’s LinkedIn account lists him as the CEO of Red Lion Group.

Boelter apparently left a manifesto in his car, along with flyers for area “No Kings” rallies, meant to protest President Trump’s immigration enforcement activities.

There are allegations that the attack involved a recent vote on Minnesota’s health care program, MinnesotaCare.

Radical left wing extremism is out of control in the US and has become a threat to our daily life.

Both Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and State Representative Melissa Hortman voted to repeal MinnesotaCare eligibility for illegal immigrants. They were 2 of 5 Democrats to vote… pic.twitter.com/kZHDqm7tzB

— Nick Adams (@NickAdamsinUSA) June 14, 2025

Area residents have been told not to attend the local “No Kings” rally for fear of related violence.

Anyone with information about Boelter’s whereabouts is asked to call the tipline at 877-996-6222 or email [email protected].