The FBI has launched a manhunt for 57-year-old Vance Boelter, naming him the main suspect in a deadly Minnesota shooting that claimed the life of State Representative Emerita Melissa Hortman and injured State Senator John Hoffman. Boelter, shockingly, had previously worked alongside one of the victims on a state board.
Former State Official Identified as Shooting Suspect
Boelter, who once served on Minnesota’s Workforce Development Board, was appointed by former Governor Mark Dayton in 2016 and more recently by current Governor Tim Walz. The Workforce Development Board aims to strengthen job growth in the state and consists of up to 41 members appointed by the governor.
According to The New York Times, Boelter had interacted with Senator Hoffman as recently as 2022 during an online meeting focused on pandemic-related job market recovery. This connection has added another layer of shock to an already tragic incident.
FBI Offers $50K Reward
In a statement posted on Facebook, the FBI offered a $50,000 reward for any information leading to Boelter’s arrest. “Anyone with information about these shootings or Boelter’s location should call the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) tip line at 877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us,” state officials said.
They also urged the public to avoid engaging with Boelter directly. “Do not approach him. Call 911 immediately if you see Boelter,” the warning added.
Authorities revealed that the suspect disguised himself as a police officer to gain access to the homes of two state lawmakers in the Minneapolis suburbs. He fatally shot Rep. Hortman and her husband, Mark, and injured Senator Hoffman along with his wife, Yvette.
While state records in 2016 listed Boelter’s political alignment as “none or other,” Minnesota doesn’t require voters to register with a political party. In a 2020 update, he was noted as having “no party preference.”
Law enforcement officials believe Boelter planned the attacks carefully, exploiting his past associations and knowledge of his victims. As the suspect remains at large, the FBI and state authorities are intensifying the search. They are hopeful that the hefty reward will encourage tips from the public.