Gunman Who Posed As Cop to Target Lawmakers Identified; Manhunt Underway
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.
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