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By Adeola Adeosun
Weekend Night Editor
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Law enforcement sources have identified 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter as the suspect in the targeted shooting of two Minnesota state lawmakers early Saturday morning, according to the Associated Press.
CNN confirmed that Boelter works for Praetorian Guard Security where he serves as director of security patrols and has received training from U.S. military personnel.
Newsweek has reached out to the Minnesota State Patrol, Minneapolis Police Department and Praetorian Guard Security for comment via email Saturday.
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Why It Matters
Minnesota Democratic state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were pronounced dead Saturday morning after a gunman posing as law enforcement arrived at their home in the early hours and shot them.
The gunman, who remains at large, had targeted the home of another Democratic lawmaker, state Senator John Hoffman, shortly before the attack on the Hortmans. Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot multiple times and underwent surgery.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the shooting "a politically motivated assassination."
Who Is Vance Boelter?
Boelter has an extensive professional background spanning security, international business, and workforce development.
According to Minnesota Africans United (MAU), he holds a doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University and has worked for major corporations including Nestle, Del Monte, and Marathon Speedway.
Corporate records obtained by AP show Boelter's wife filed to create Praetorian Guard Security Services LLC with the same Green Isle mailing address listed for the couple.
On the company website, Boelter's wife is listed as president and CEO, while he serves as director of security patrols. The homepage advertises armed security for property and events, featuring photos of an SUV painted in a two-tone black and silver pattern similar to a police vehicle, with a light bar across the roof and "Praetorian" painted across the doors. Another photo shows a man in black tactical gear with a military-style helmet and ballistic vest.
Boelter also previously served on Minnesota's Governor's Workforce Development Board, appointed by Governor Mark Dayton in 2016 and reappointed by Walz in 2019.
The governor's office appoints thousands of people of all parties to these boards and commissions—that particular board has about 60 people on it. These are unpaid, external boards that the legislature creates, not appointments to positions in the governor's Cabinet. However, a 2019 document shows Walz signed off on Boelter's appointment "because of the special trust and confidence I have in your integrity, judgment, and ability."
Boelter registered to vote as a Republican in the early 2000s, state records show, according to CNN.
In a post six years ago on LinkedIn, Boelter encouraged people to vote and wrote, "I think the election is going to have more of an impact on the direction of our country than probably any election we have been apart of, or will be apart of for years to come." However, a state report in 2016 listed Boelter's political affiliation as "none or other," and another report in 2020 listed him as having "no party preference," according to the New York Times. Voters do not declare political affiliation when they register in Minnesota.
Boelter texted friends at a Minneapolis residence where he rented a room, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported, saying: "David and Ron, I love you guys. I made some choices, and you guys don't know anything about this, but I'm going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn't gone this way."
According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Boelter stands at 6-foot-1, weighs roughly 220 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen Saturday morning in Minneapolis, wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, dark long-sleeve shirt, light pants and carrying a dark bag.
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What To Know
Just days before the fatal shooting, Hortman provided the sole Democratic vote in Minnesota's lower chamber to pass a Republican bill that would strip adult undocumented migrants of state-funded healthcare. The bill passed the House in a 68-65 vote, with Hortman's vote helping Republicans secure its passage, which left Hortman in tears.
The vote took place against an increasingly violent backlash to the Trump administration's tough immigration policies. Protests in Los Angeles erupted into rioting last weekend and "No Kings" protests were planned in cities across the country on Saturday, which is President Donald Trump's 79th birthday.
Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) said they had found "No Kings" flyers in the suspect's car, and the "No Kings" protests across the state have been cancelled.
State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogojevic asked people "out of an abundance of caution" not to attend any of the "No Kings" protests that were scheduled for across the state, although she added that no direct evidence showed the protests would be targeted.
Who Is Melissa Hortman?
Hortman, who was the House DFL Caucus Leader, had a distinguished career in the Minnesota House. She previously served as speaker from 2019 until early 2025. First elected in 2004, she was in her 11th term.
Hortman was an attorney who earned her law degree from the University of Minnesota and a master's in public administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Hortman and her husband shared two children together, Colin and Sophie.
She got her start in politics working for then-Senators Al Gore and John Kerry in Washington, D.C. She is from the Twin Cities and grew up working at her family's used auto parts company, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Who Is John Hoffman?
Hoffman, also a member of the DFL Party, has held his seat representing the 34th district since being elected in 2012. He served as minority whip from 2017 to 2020, and currently is the chair of the Human Services Committee.
According to public voting records, Hoffman voted against the bill amending Medicaid eligibility when it came before the state Senate. The bill was presented to Walz on June 12.
Hoffman has one child with his wife, a daughter named Hope. He attended St. Mary's College, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and later obtained an advanced certificate in energy policy at the University of Idaho.
What People Are Saying
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz wrote in a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter: "Today Minnesota lost a great leader, and I lost a friend. A formidable public servant and a fixture of the state capital, Melissa Hortman woke up every day determined to make our state a better place. She served the people of Minnesota with Grace, compassion, and tirelessness. Minnesota's thoughts are with her loved ones, and my prayers are with Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who were shot and wounded and are being treated."
He added: "We are not a country that settles our differences at gunpoint. We have demonstrated again and again in our state that it is possible to peacefully disagree, that our state is strengthened by civil public debate. We must stand united against all forms of violence - And I call on everyone to join me in that commitment. To the responding officers, thank you for your bravery and your swift action. A State Bureau of criminal apprehension investigation is underway, and we will spare no resource in bringing those responsible to justice. Will not let fear win."
President Donald Trump on Truth Social: "I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!"
A statement from "No Kings" organizers: "Out of an abundance of caution and in adherence to guidance from Governor Walz and the Minnesota State Patrol, all remaining No Kings events in Minnesota are being canceled immediately. This decision comes in light of the ongoing shelter-in-place order and the tragic shooting that targeted two elected officials and their spouses. We are doing this in accordance with local and state guidance given the suspect is still at large impersonating a police officer. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the communities shaken by this violence.
The organization added: "We are in close contact with our hosts, attendees, and state and local officials and remain committed to ensuring all other events around the country proceed peacefully and safely."
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on X: "The Attorney General's Office will do whatever it can to assist law enforcement in their investigation. My heart goes out to Melissa's and Mark's two children and their families."
He added: "I'm also praying for Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette and wish them a full and speedy recovery. And I hope Minnesotans can offer grace, care, and kindness to each other in the days ahead."
Mayor Justin M. Bibb, president of the Democratic Mayors Association, said in a statement obtained by Newsweek: "We are horrified and devastated by the horrendous targeted shooting of Minnesota lawmakers, Senator John Hoffman and Representative Melissa Hortman, and their spouses. We're holding them, their families, and all those impacted in our thoughts and in our hearts, and praying for Senator Hoffman and his wife's recovery. Violence has no place in our politics or society."
Minnesota Africans United (MAU) in a statement to Newsweek: "We are devastated by the tragic and senseless act of violence that claimed the life of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and left State Senator John Hoffman and their spouses critically injured. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families affected by this unimaginable loss. We are keeping Senator Hoffman and his wife in our prayers and wish them a full and swift recovery."
It added: "In response to inquiries we have received, we want to clarify that approximately three years ago, in August 2022, Mr. Vance Boelter participated in a virtual session of our trade and investment webinar focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo. His involvement was facilitated by a third-party recommendation. Mr. Boelter was never hired, paid, or contracted by Minnesota Africans United. He has never served in any official capacity, and we have had no contact with him since that one-time appearance. Minnesota Africans United is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities as they carry out their investigation."
What Happens Next?
Anyone who sees any suspicious activity, "especially involving individuals impersonating law enforcement, please report it immediately," Bob Jacobson, Minnesota's commissioner of public safety, said during Saturday's press conference.
Brooklyn Park has lifted the shelter in place established Saturday afternoon after reason to believe that the suspect is no longer in the area, the city said in an online emergency alert statement.
"The Brooklyn Park Police are no longer requiring people to shelter in place. The suspect is not in custody but there is reason to believe he is no longer in the area. Watch media for a photograph of the suspect. Please call 911 if you see anything suspicious."
The Brooklyn Park Police Department previously issued the order for a 3-mile radius of the Edinburgh Golf Course earlier Saturday morning.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) announced on Saturday they are offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Boelter.
"Anyone with information about these shootings or Boelter's location should call the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) tip line at 877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us. The public is asked to call 911 immediately if they see Boelter. Do not approach him."
Update 6/14/25, 11:06 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 6/14/25, 10:11 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and comment.
Update 6/14/25, 8:02 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 6/14/25, 5:33 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 6/14/25, 4:27 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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