A Minnesota man is wanted in connection with the assassination of a state legislator and another shooting incident. He runs a security company and has connections to both the Middle East and Africa, as noted in an online biography.
Vance Luther Boelter, the individual in question, is listed on LinkedIn as the CEO of Red Lion Group, which is based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Additionally, he is involved with Minnesota Africans United, a statewide organization supporting African immigrants, according to information on the group’s website, which is currently being modified.
Belter, 57, allegedly impersonated police officers during the shooting. He and his wife, Jenny, are linked to the Minnesota-based Praetorian Security company, which describes itself as the Head Praetorian Guard Security Service.
The Praetorian Security website indicates that Boelter has experience dealing with security situations in various regions, including Eastern Europe and parts of the Middle East, such as the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Recently, Boelter mentioned that he was open to job opportunities.
His work history extends beyond security; his LinkedIn profile reveals he was a general manager at 7-Eleven from 2016 to 2021. He has also worked for Green Core, a food company that produces brands like Del Monte and Johnsonville Sausage in the UK.
Boelter has been appointed twice to Minnesota government positions by different Democratic governors. In 2016, he was nominated by then-Governor Mark Dayton to the Workforce Development Council, and in 2019, Governor Walz appointed him to the same council for a four-year term.
He last registered to vote as a Republican in 2022.
In a 2018 post, Boelter urged others to participate in future presidential elections, sharing his concerns about their outcomes. He expressed the importance of voting for one’s values, emphasizing that everyone contributes to American life.
He stated, “I think the election will probably have a greater impact in our country than the elections we have come out or are farther apart for years to come.”
Boelter holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from St. Cloud State University and earned his PhD from Stritch University Cardinal Stritch University.
Attempts to contact Jenny Belter, Praetorian Security, and Minnesota Africans United for comments have not been successful.
Authorities are actively searching for Boelter. He is allegedly involved in the shooting incident where Senator John Hoffman and his wife were targeted early Saturday morning.
The suspect reportedly fired shots at police officers during an exchange of gunfire but managed to escape, leaving behind a list of 70 politicians’ names and other evidence connected to anti-Trump sentiments, according to law enforcement sources.
