The suspect sought in the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses was appointed by Democrat Gov. Tim Walz to serve on a workforce board in the state.
Vance Boelter, 57, the man accused of carrying out what’s being called a “politically motivated” attack, was actually appointed to state posts by Democrat governors. Records show he served on the Workforce Development Council in 2016 under then-Gov. Mark Dayton, and in 2019, Walz gave him a four-year appointment to the Workforce Development Board,” The New York Post reported.
But in his early-morning remarks, Walz didn’t mention that the suspect was one of his own appointees.
The Governor’s Office later said the 60-member board Boelter served on was unpaid and included people from both parties. Still, a 2019 document shows Walz personally approved Boelter’s appointment, writing that it was “because of the special trust and confidence I have in your integrity, judgment, and ability.”
Although Boelter held appointments under Democratic governors, voter records show he last registered as a Republican in 2022.
Boelter is being sought after allegedly killing Minnesota House Democrat Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and shooting State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife at a nearby residence. Both Hoffman and his wife survived and are recovering after surgery.
President Donald Trump issued a press release sharing his sympathy for the Democratic Minnesota lawmakers after the tragic incident.
The message was shared on X by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt prior to the identification of Boelter as the shooter.
“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law,” the president said.
“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!” he said.
Boelter allegedly impersonated a police officer to commit the crimes, CNN reported.
He had ties to a private security company that showcased a fleet of “police type vehicles” and equipment that may have helped him pose as law enforcement.
Authorities say Boelter opened fire on officers after being spotted outside Hortman’s home dressed as a cop and standing near what looked like a squad car with flashing emergency lights. He managed to flee the scene.
Walz called the shooting a “politically motivated assassination.”
Inside Boelter’s vehicle, police reportedly found what appears to be a hit list naming dozens of individuals, mostly Democrats and people tied to Planned Parenthood or the abortion lobby. The list included Rep. Ilhan Omar, Sen. Tina Smith, and senior abortion industry figures.
Investigators also discovered anti-Trump “No Kings” protest flyers in Boelter’s car, raising concerns he may have planned to target those events as well.
“When they arrived at Melissa’s house, they noticed that there was a police vehicle in the driveway with the emergency lights on and what appeared to be a police officer at the door coming out of the house,” Police Chief Mark Bruley said.
“When our officers confronted him, the individual immediately fired upon the officers, who exchanged gunfire, and the suspect retreated back into the home,” he said.
“It was not a real police officer. This is someone that clearly had been impersonating a police officer who uses the trust of this badge and this uniform to manipulate their way into the home,” he said.