Minnesota law enforcement has identified Vance Boerter as the suspect in the tragic shooting that resulted in the deaths of state leader Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband. The FBI has initiated a manhunt for Boerter, offering a reward of $50,000 for information that leads to his arrest and conviction. The shooting also injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
Authorities urge anyone with information about Boerter’s whereabouts or details about the incident to reach out to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Arrests tip line at 877-996-6222 or to send an email. They emphasized, however, that the public should avoid any direct contact with Boerter.
“If you see him, please call 911 immediately and keep your distance,” officials stated in a release.
The joint efforts of the FBI, the Brooklyn Park Police Department, the Champurin Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies are ongoing in the search for Boerter.
Boerter stands approximately 6’1” and weighs around 220 pounds. He is described as a Caucasian male with brown hair and brown eyes. The last sighting was reported on Saturday morning, where he was wearing a “bright-colored” cowboy hat along with a “dark-colored” long-sleeved collared shirt, according to Drew Evans, the director of the Minnesota Detective Arrest Bureau.
Officials have yet to determine if others might be involved but consider Boerter a primary person of interest at this time. A concerning list of potential targets has been uncovered, which includes high-profile officials in Minnesota.
Sources suggest that the list comprises notable Democratic figures who have been vocal about various policy issues. Additionally, Boerter’s vehicle displayed a flyer linked to a protest regarding the “king.”
Records indicate that Boerter previously served as the director of security patrols for Praetorian Guard Security Services. He was appointed by former Governor Mark Dayton to the Governor’s Workforce Development Council and later by Governor Tim Walz to the same committee, a term that ended in early 2023.
The political violence has been condemned by lawmakers from across the spectrum, who assert that such acts are “unacceptable” in America. Former President Trump has been briefed on the incident.
“It’s disheartening to witness these events in Minnesota. Kimberly and I are praying for the legislator and her family, along with the senator and his wife who were hurt in this attack,” stated Senator John Tune.
