Man Charged in Shooting of Minnesota Lawmakers
A man accused of killing a Minnesota senator and her husband was found heavily armed, with numerous targets, according to documents. The authorities captured 57-year-old Vance Boerter on Sunday, concluding a nearly two-day manhunt. Just two nights earlier, he had shot Minnesota Senator Melissa Hortman and her husband at their home, and also injured Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
The criminal complaint reveals that Boerter possessed at least three AK-47 rifles, a ballistic vest, and a “hit list” that reportedly included dozens of Democratic lawmakers and abortion providers.
According to the charges, Boerter identified himself as a police officer when he arrived at Hoffman’s home around 2 a.m. on Saturday, where he shot the couple before heading to Hortman’s residence to continue his attack. When police arrived at Hortman’s house, a shootout occurred before he managed to flee the scene. Hoffman and his wife survived the incident and expressed their relief, stating, “I’m incredibly lucky to be alive.”
Boerter is facing multiple charges of murder and attempted murder. It remains uncertain if he has legal representation. He reportedly worked as the head of a private security firm, Praetorian Guard Security, which claimed to operate in various global hotspots.
In light of the targeted shootings, Minnesota State Patrol advised the public to refrain from attending planned demonstrations across the state due to safety concerns. A source indicated that the hit list found in Boerter’s vehicle included names of more than 60 Democratic leaders and abortion clinics. Additionally, a flyer related to an anti-Trump protest was also discovered within his belongings.
Reports indicate Boerter was previously involved with Reformation Ministries, an evangelical Christian group, where part of his work was aimed at fostering peace and reducing violence in regions like Gaza and the West Bank.
While Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz appointed members to various workforce development committees, it seems Boerter had few apparent connections to active politics, raising questions about the motivations behind his violent actions. A roommate recounted that in a text message just hours before the attacks, Boerter mentioned he had made “some bad choices” and might be “dead soon.”
Police apprehended Boerter after a lengthy search and described the operation as “the biggest manhunt in the state’s history.” As law enforcement closed in, he was found hiding in a wooded area in Sibley County.
