Law enforcement and federal agents have swarmed a rural community in Minnesota following the discovery of items linked to the suspected assassin, Vance Boerter.
This find occurred on a back road approximately 50 miles southwest of Minneapolis, close to Boerter’s last known address in Green Isle.
The extensive manhunt, which involves federal and local police, is part of what authorities are labeling as “targeted political violence.” This escalated after the 57-year-old Boerter allegedly opened fire near a police station early Saturday morning.
Boerter reportedly filmed former Minnesota Senator Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark at their residence earlier that morning and is accused of executing Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette at their home shortly before they were severely injured.
Both Hoffman and Yvette are affiliated with the Democratic Party.
Just hours after the shootings, Boerter sent a chilling text to two friends, saying “it could be dead soon,” and apologized for the distress he caused, alluding to the shooting that targeted Minnesota lawmakers and their partners.
Neighbors reported hearing gunshots early Sunday and speculated that Boerter may have taken his own life.
His roommate, who lives in a North Minneapolis residence where Boerter stayed on and off, expressed doubt about Boerter’s survival.
“He’s not going to prison. He’s going to commit suicide because of the text,” the roommate, Matthew, shared.
An additional roommate, and close friend David Carlson, conveyed that Boerter seemed to be “struggling” since returning from the Democratic Republic of the Congo a few months prior. He noted a noticeable shift in Boerter’s demeanor during this time.
Boerter, who has traveled extensively to Central African countries as the CEO of the Red Lion Group, had described his business endeavors there as involving fishing, agriculture, media, security, and tax-related services for motorcycles.
In a LinkedIn post last month, he indicated he had just returned from a three-year stint overseas and was looking for employment in the food service sector.
His profile lists previous jobs with companies like 7-Eleven, DelMonte, and Johnsonville.
“I noticed his attitude changed — he wasn’t as cheerful as before. He said he came back from Africa and left his job to return home four months ago,” shared one of his friends. “He seemed to be struggling a little. I thought it was just a normal rough patch.”
