MINNEAPOLIS – Major Questions Arise in Minnesota Assassination Case

The extensive manhunt for Vanthruther Bolter, a suspect in the assassination of a Minnesota politician, has raised significant concerns about his political ties and underlying motives.

Authorities believe Bolter fatally shot a Democratic state legislator, Rep. Melissa Hortman, and attempted to kill another Democratic official. Interestingly, he was previously appointed to the state advisory board by Democratic Governor Tim Waltz.

Bolter claims to hold a PhD in Education and states he has spent considerable time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

At 57 years old, he is being pursued in connection with the shocking deaths of Hortman and her husband, Mark, an act that Governor Waltz characterized as “targeting political violence.”

Reports suggest that Bolter had a list of around 70 “targets,” and he is accused of seriously injuring another Democratic Senator, John Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette, at their home in a Minneapolis suburb.

Allegedly, Bolter posed as a law enforcement official to enter the homes of the lawmakers before engaging in a gunfight with police.

The FBI released security footage showcasing him wearing a disturbing latex mask, and they have offered a $50,000 reward for information related to his apprehension.

“Politically Motivated Assassination”

Governor Waltz labeled Hortman’s murder a “politically motivated assassination.”

“He supported Trump. He voted for Trump. He liked Trump. I like Trump,” said Bolter’s roommate and longtime friend, David Carlson.

Carlson noted that Bolter lived part-time with him and another man while his wife and children resided on a farm about 50 minutes away from Minneapolis. Carlson mentioned that Bolter seldom brought up politics, appearing far less politically engaged than most.

After the shooting, Bolter sent a chilling text to his friend: “I’m going to leave for a while, and I just want to let you know I love both of you because I might be dead soon.”

In his vehicle, authorities discovered a list of targets, which included politicians and abortion providers, with notable individuals like Democrats Kelly Morrison and Sen. Tina Smith among them. Curiously, a handwritten flyer displaying the slogan “No Kings,” associated with anti-Trump demonstrations, was also found in his car.

While the specific motive behind Bolter’s actions remains unclear, he had previously collaborated on state workforce development initiatives alongside Sen. Hoffman.

Appointment by Governor Tim Waltz

Documents obtained by KTTC confirm that Bolter was appointed to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board (GWDB) twice; first by former Governor Mark Dayton in 2016 and then reappointed by Governor Waltz in December 2019, with a term set to expire in early 2023.

The GWDB operates under Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development. A source close to Waltz stated that the governor was unaware of Bolter’s background, highlighting that he was simply reappointed to a nonpartisan advisory committee that includes 60 members.

Tragically, while Rep. Hortman died at the scene, her husband succumbed to injuries later at a hospital.

A Glimpse into Bolter’s Background

Bolter’s LinkedIn profile reveals a significant career in the food sector, spanning notable positions at locations like Johnsonville Sausage and a stint as a general manager at Green Core grocery stores. He graduated from St. Cloud State University and later received a Master’s and a PhD from Stritch University.

In November 2021, Bolter became the CEO of an enigmatic company named the Red Lion Group, although details about its operations remain elusive, as its website is currently down.

He has previously asserted ties to a Minnesota security company but claims work that connects to Central Africa.

Just a month ago, Bolter expressed a desire to return to the food industry via LinkedIn, illustrating an unexpected shift from his recent endeavors in the Congo.

While police surround Bolter’s home, located just five miles from Green Isle, investigative efforts continue amidst an ongoing manhunt, with parts of Minneapolis suburbs under Shelter in Place Orders.

Authorities have also alerted South Dakota residents about potential dangers posed by individuals associated with recent events in Minnesota, advising caution regarding suspicious vehicles.