Minnesota’s largest-ever manhunt concluded with the arrest of Vance Boelter, a security CEO with international ties who allegedly assassinated a Democratic state leader while possessing a list of 70 political targets.
Key Takeaways
- Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was arrested after a two-day manhunt in Minnesota for allegedly assassinating state House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and shooting Senator John Hoffman.
- The suspect, who posed as a police officer during the attacks, is CEO of Red Lion Group with security operations in Africa and the Middle East.
- Authorities discovered Boelter possessed a list of public officials’ names and addresses, suggesting the attack may have been part of a broader politically-motivated plan.
- Despite being described as a Trump supporter, Boelter previously held appointments from Democratic governors and operated multiple international business ventures.
- President Trump condemned the violence, stating such actions “will not be tolerated” in the United States.
Historic Manhunt Ends with Suspect’s Capture
The two-day search for Vance Luther Boelter concluded with his arrest in rural Sibley County, Minnesota. Law enforcement deployed an unprecedented operation involving drones, SWAT teams, and multiple agencies in what Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley described as “the largest manhunt in the state’s history.” The 57-year-old security company CEO was taken into custody following the shootings that left state House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman dead and seriously injured State Senator John Hoffman. Governor Tim Walz announced the arrest, characterizing the incident as a “politically motivated assassination” that has shaken the state to its core.
Before his capture, authorities had warned the public that Boelter should be considered armed and dangerous. The suspect, described as a 6-foot-1 white male last seen wearing a cowboy hat and dark shirt, had allegedly sent text messages to roommates suggesting he might “be dead shortly” and mentioning financial hardships. Surveillance footage revealed Boelter dressed as a police officer during the attacks, a tactical decision that complicated initial identification efforts and demonstrated a level of premeditation that alarmed investigators.
International Security Background Raises Concerns
Boelter’s extensive background in global security operations added a disturbing dimension to the case. As CEO of Red Lion Group based in the Democratic Republic of Congo and co-owner of Minnesota-based Praetorian Guard Security Services with his wife Jenny, Boelter possessed specialized training and experience in high-risk environments. His professional history includes security operations across Eastern Europe, Africa, North America, and the Middle East, providing him with skills to potentially evade capture or execute sophisticated attacks.
“One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the State of Minnesota,” stated Gov. Tim Walz, reflecting the shock and gravity of the situation that has unfolded across the state.
In a 2019 presentation, Boelter detailed his involvement in various international ventures, revealing connections that now take on a more sinister context. “This all started back in 2019, when my partner, McNay Nkashama, brought in the ambassador from the DRC to Minnesota, and we had meetings, the bulk of them in Minneapolis but the bulk of them that I was at was in Worthington, Minnesota where we made those connections,” Boelter had stated. His business portfolio extended beyond security to include agriculture, fishing, media, and even a “women-led motorcycle-taxi business” in Africa.
Contradictions in Political Affiliations
The case presents perplexing contradictions regarding Boelter’s political leanings. While described as a Trump supporter in some reports, Boelter’s professional history includes appointments to Minnesota government positions by Democratic governors in 2016 and 2019. His alleged target list primarily included Democratic and pro-choice politicians, suggesting ideological motivations. However, investigators have not yet discovered a clear manifesto explaining his actions, leaving questions about the true nature of his grievances against these political figures.
“Been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota,” stated President Donald Trump, who made clear that such political violence will not be tolerated in the United States.
The attack has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar described Boelter as a “murderous, murderous man,” while Governor Walz called for Minnesotans to recommit to the core values of civility and grace. The incident coincided with a military parade in Washington, D.C., and “No Kings” protests, creating a politically charged atmosphere that has further intensified reactions to the shootings. The state remains in shock as memorial services and fundraisers for the victims begin to take shape.
Professional Facade Concealed Darker Intent
Before this shocking turn of events, Boelter maintained the appearance of a legitimate business professional. His work history included management positions at 7-Eleven, Del Monte, Johnsonville Sausage, and Greencore, demonstrating a conventional career trajectory in food service before his pivot to international security operations. Boelter holds degrees in international relations, management, and leadership from St. Cloud State University and Cardinal Stritch University, credentials that likely facilitated his appointment to Minnesota government boards and commissions.
“We’re partnering with 400 farmers who are ready to go on a farming project… we’re doing a fishing project that works with like 500 fishermans…that’s off the coast of Rwanda,” Boelter had claimed in a presentation, speaking in what was described as a quintessential Minnesota accent.
Now charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder, Boelter faces the consequences of actions that have forever altered Minnesota’s political landscape. His wife was initially detained but later released as investigators work to determine whether she had any knowledge of or involvement in his plans. The discovery of firearms and a list of public officials in Boelter’s vehicle suggests that additional attacks may have been planned, raising troubling questions about how many more victims might have been targeted had he not been apprehended.
