Suspect Identified in Shooting of Minnesota Legislators
Vance Luther Belter, previously appointed by Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz, has emerged as a suspect related to the assassination of a state legislator and the shooting of others.
Authorities are searching for the 57-year-old Belter due to his alleged role in the incident.
Reports indicate that Belter is the head of the Congo-based Red Lion Group and Praetorian Guard Security Services, as mentioned on the Minnesota Africans United website.
Law enforcement discovered a document resembling a “manifesto” that included names of various politicians, along with a collection of papers characterized as “king” concerning anti-Trump protests believed to involve armed individuals.
During a press conference, Governor Tim Waltz announced the tragic death of state Senator Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in what appears to be a politically motivated attack.
State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also targeted and have sustained multiple gunshot wounds; they have not yet undergone surgery, but Waltz expressed cautious optimism about their recovery.
Police Chief Mark Bruley detailed that an individual impersonating an officer was present at the scene and fired upon the police. Bruley stated, “Upon arrival at Melissa’s home, officers saw a police vehicle with lights flashing, and an individual resembling a police officer was exiting the house.” He further explained that when confronted, the suspect exchanged gunfire with police before retreating to his home.
“This was not a real police officer,” Bruley noted. “This person was clearly using the trust associated with a badge and uniform for deceptive purposes.”
President Donald Trump commented on the incident, calling it a “bad shooting” that seemed to target state lawmakers.
“It’s been described as a horrifying shooting in Minnesota that looks like a targeted attack on state legislators,” Trump said. “Our Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI are thoroughly investigating the situation.”
He added, “Such violence is unacceptable in the United States. God bless the wonderful people of Minnesota!”
