Wife of Shooting Suspect Expresses Shock Over Violence

The spouse of the man implicated in a shooting spree that resulted in the death of a Minnesota lawmaker expressed her disbelief and sorrow regarding the events that have unfolded. Jennifer Belter, from Green Isle, Minnesota, described herself as “shocked, saddened, and totally blind” to the violence that led to this historic manhunt.

“This violence does not align with our family values,” she stated.

Her husband, Vance Luther Boerter, is facing federal charges for stalking and the assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, along with an attack on Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

Jennifer released a statement through a local law enforcement officer, detailing her experience on the day of the incident. She was driving with her child when she got a call from the police, prompting her to meet with an agent at a nearby gas station. “We didn’t evade them. We parked and waited,” she recounted.

Once at the gas station near Onamia, she said they cooperated fully with the police, answering questions and providing requested items. According to a court affidavit, authorities found a substantial cache of cash, firearms, and even a passport inside Vance’s vehicle.

She mentioned allowing officials access to her phone, where Vance had sent a group text on that fateful day that said, “I went to war last night… I’m not involved with anyone, so I don’t want to say more.”

In her own message, Jennifer expressed her family’s deep sympathy for the Hortman and Hoffman families, conveying that they think of them daily during this unimaginably turbulent time.

Vance Boerter faces six felony charges related to the shooting and is also set to confront state murder counts in Hennepin County, Minnesota.

In a peculiar turn of events, it was revealed that Boerter had been employed at the University of Minnesota as a “recovery technician,” responsible for the removal of eyeballs from deceased bodies. He held this job for about six months prior to the shooting, earning $20 an hour, which later increased to $30 upon certification.

Interestingly, Boerter also assisted funeral homes in the area and had previously worked for Metro First Call LLC until February 2025, after a stint at Wulff Funeral Homes. Reports suggest he was frequently employed between both positions.

Following the shooting on June 14, Boerter was in a police pursuit for over 40 hours, during which he wore realistic silicone masks and drove an SUV resembling a police vehicle, according to the FBI.

The events escalated early on June 14 when he allegedly forced his way into Hoffman’s residence in Champlin, Minnesota. Soon after entering, shots were fired, resulting in Hoffman being hit multiple times. His adult daughter, who shielded her mother during the attack, called 911.

Following the attack, Belter’s visits to the homes of two additional Democratic legislators had law enforcement in pursuit, ultimately leading to a confrontation at Hortman’s home in Brooklyn Park. The police reported that he engaged in a shootout before fleeing the scene.

Vance Boerter was apprehended on June 15, just a mile away from his residence in Green Isle. During the manhunt, it was alleged that he made threats to kill state figures, including Senator Amy Klobuchar. The investigation continues.