In the wake of the targeted shootings involving two Democratic lawmakers from Minnesota early Saturday morning, the Minnesota State Patrol announced the discovery of flyers bearing the phrase “No Kings” within the abandoned vehicle of the suspect.
This finding has raised alarms regarding a potential connection to anti-Trump protests scheduled throughout the state, prompting authorities to advise the public to avoid such demonstrations for their safety.
Authorities have named 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter as the individual being sought in relation to the early-morning shootings that resulted in the deaths of one Minnesota lawmaker and her spouse, while another lawmaker and his wife sustained serious injuries.
During a press conference, officials unveiled a photograph of Boelter, who was seen wearing a tan cowboy hat at a Minneapolis establishment shortly after the assaults on Saturday morning. Another image released by authorities depicts the masked suspect clad in police-style tactical gear and holding a flashlight.
Boelter is charged with the fatal shooting of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their residence in Brooklyn Park. In a separate incident in Champlin, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times but are anticipated to recover following surgery.
The suspect remains at large after fleeing on foot post a shootout with police at the Hortman home. He abandoned a fake police SUV equipped with emergency lights.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley confirmed that a manifesto retrieved from the suspect’s vehicle listed several lawmakers and officials, including Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, as intended targets. The “No Kings” flyers, previously noted by the Minnesota State Patrol, have come under scrutiny for their apparent association with nationwide protests scheduled for Saturday that oppose President Trump’s policies.
“Upon searching the vehicle, we discovered a manifesto that identified numerous lawmakers and other officials. We promptly issued alerts to the state to enhance security where necessary.
The State Patrol has released a statement advising against participation in the “No Kings” protests, referencing the recent overnight attacks: “In light of the targeted shootings of state lawmakers, we urge the public to refrain from attending today’s scheduled demonstrations throughout Minnesota for safety reasons.”
As per his LinkedIn profile, Boelter is recognized as the CEO of Red Lion Group, a company located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is also noted as the director of Praetorian Guard Security Services, a security firm reportedly founded by his wife, according to the firm’s website.
“For the past three years, I have been engaged in projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa with the Red Lion Group,” Boelter stated on his LinkedIn page last month, indicating that he is currently seeking employment opportunities.
Boelter possesses a comprehensive background in security, with documented experience across Africa, North America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, including the Gaza Strip, as detailed on the Praetorian Guard Security Services website. The site mentions that he has received training from U.S. military personnel and private companies, showcasing images of tactical equipment and law enforcement-style attire.
Family members and representatives of Praetorian Guard Security Services did not promptly reply to Fox News Digital’s inquiry for comments.
Boelter is reported to hold a Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University and was previously appointed to Minnesota’s Workforce Development Board by two governors, as reported by Fox 9.
“He was initially appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton in 2016 and was reappointed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2019 as a private sector representative to the council. He had previously served on the same board as Hoffman before his term concluded in 2023,” Fox News reported.
