The individual being sought in connection with the shooting of two lawmakers from Minnesota and their spouses was appointed to a workforce board in the state by Democrat Governor Tim Walz.Vance Boelter, aged 57, is the person accused of executing what is described as a “politically motivated” attack. Notably, he was appointed to state positions by Democrat governors. Documentation indicates that he was a member of the Workforce Development Council in 2016 under the administration of then-Governor Mark Dayton, and in 2019, Governor Walz granted him a four-year term on the Workforce Development Board, as reported by The New York Post.However, during his remarks early in the morning, Governor Walz did not acknowledge that the suspect was one of his appointees.The Governor’s Office subsequently clarified that the 60-member board on which Boelter served was unpaid and comprised individuals from both political parties. Nevertheless, a document from 2019 reveals that Walz personally endorsed Boelter’s appointment, stating it was “due to the special trust and confidence I have in your integrity, judgment, and ability.”Despite holding appointments under Democratic governors, voter registration records indicate that Boelter last registered as a Republican in 2022.
Boelter is currently being pursued for allegedly murdering Minnesota House Democrat Representative Melissa Hortman and her spouse, as well as shooting State Senator John Hoffman and his wife at a nearby residence. Both Hoffman and his wife survived and are in recovery following surgery.
President Donald Trump released a statement expressing his condolences for the Democratic lawmakers from Minnesota following this tragic event.
The statement was disseminated on X by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt before Boelter was identified as the shooter.
“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that occurred in Minnesota, which seems to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI are looking into the matter, and they will prosecute anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law,” the president remarked.
“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great
Boelter is accused of impersonating a police officer to carry out the crimes, as reported by CNN.
He had connections to a private security firm that displayed a fleet of vehicles resembling police cars and equipment that may have facilitated his impersonation of law enforcement.
Authorities state that Boelter opened fire on officers after being seen outside Hortman’s residence, dressed as a police officer and positioned near what appeared to be a squad car with flashing emergency lights. He was able to escape the scene.
Walz described the shooting as a “politically motivated assassination.”
Inside Boelter’s vehicle, police allegedly discovered what seems to be a hit list identifying numerous individuals, primarily Democrats and those associated with Planned Parenthood or the abortion rights movement. The list featured Rep. Ilhan Omar, Sen. Tina Smith, and prominent figures in the abortion industry.
Investigators also found anti-Trump “No Kings” protest flyers in Boelter’s car, raising suspicions that he may have intended to target those events as well.
“Upon arriving at Melissa’s residence, they observed a police vehicle in the driveway with its emergency lights activated and what appeared to be a police officer exiting the house,” Police Chief Mark Bruley stated.
“When our officers confronted him, the individual immediately opened fire on the officers, who returned fire, and the suspect retreated back into the residence,” he added.
“This was not a genuine police officer. This is an individual who clearly impersonated a police officer, exploiting the trust associated with the badge and uniform to gain access into the home,” he remarked.
