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"Devout Christian Arrested for Politically Motivated Murder"

16.06.2025 2,64 B 5 Mins Read

NEW YORK (AP) – Vance Luther Boelter, a 57-year-old man, has been accused of the assassination of Melissa Hortman, the top Democrat in the Minnesota House, following a peaceful manhunt that lasted two days and was described as the largest in the state's history. Authorities captured Boelter late Sunday after he allegedly impersonated a police officer and fatally shot Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their home near Minneapolis. Democratic Governor Tim Walz characterized the incident as a "politically motivated assassination."

In an earlier incident, Senator John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, were shot at their home but survived the ordeal, indicating a targeted attack on political figures associated with abortion rights.

Friends and former colleagues of Boelter have described him as a deeply religious individual with politically conservative views. He was known to attend an evangelical church and participated in campaign rallies for former President Donald Trump. Records indicate that Boelter registered as a Republican voter in Oklahoma in 2004 before moving to Minnesota, where voters do not declare party affiliation.

Authorities found an SUV near Hortman's residence designed to resemble police vehicles. Inside were leaflets for an anti-Trump rally labeled "No Kings," scheduled for the prior Saturday, along with a notebook containing the names of several lawmakers, including abortion rights advocates and health care officials. Both Hortman and Hoffman supported abortion rights in the state legislature.

Drew Evans, the superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, stated during a briefing that Boelter had not made any public threats prior to the attacks. He urged the public not to jump to conclusions regarding the motivation behind the assaults, noting the complexity of the situation and the ongoing investigation.

Friends remarked that while Boelter held right-leaning political views, he never appeared extreme or fanatical in his beliefs. "He was right-leaning politically but never fanatical, from what I saw, just strong beliefs," said Paul Schroeder, a longtime acquaintance of Boelter.

During a missionary trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo in February 2023, Boelter briefly touched upon his views on abortion in a sermon, criticizing U.S. churches for not opposing the practice. However, he primarily focused on his love for God and the moral decay he perceived in the U.S.

Boelter, a married father of five, lived in a 3,800-square-foot house purchased in 2023 for over half a million dollars. He transitioned from a career in food and beverage management to embarking on a path in the security sector and became a security contractor.

After completing his education with a master’s degree and a doctorate from Cardinal Stritch University in 2016, Boelter and his wife established a nonprofit called Revoformation Ministries. He also participated in a state workforce development board appointed by both Democrat governors Mark Dayton and Tim Walz.

In 2018, Boelter and his wife launched a security firm known as Praetorian Guard Security Services, where he served as director of security patrols. This company provided armed security and showcased vehicles designed to resemble police patrols.

Upon returning from his trip to Africa in 2023, Boelter encountered financial difficulties, ultimately taking a job with a funeral transport service, which he left shortly before the shootings. Friends reported signs of significant changes in Boelter’s lifestyle, including spending nights away from home.

As the events unfolded leading up to the shootings, Boelter sent a text message to two roommates expressing love and indicating he would "be gone for a while." He hinted at a looming tragedy without elaborating, leaving a troubling impression on his friends.

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