Fascist horror erupted today in a peaceful blue state. A lone man posing as a police officer stalked and shot two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses at home last night. Two of the victims, state senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, are alive and recovering from emergency surgery; the other two, state representative and former house speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, are dead. Here are the details from local TV station KARE 11:
And here’s some more, from a local CBS station, WCCO, with aerial shots showing police activity around the suspect’s home:
The shootings occurred on a day of protest against Him Who Shall Not Be Named, called No Kings Day. Apparently some flyers or pamphlets related to the occasion were found in the suspect’s SUV, which was tricked out to look like a police vehicle, complete with flashers. That vehicle was promptly taken into police custody. At first local police were warning would-be demonstrators to stay home, as the terrorist might be targeting them, but that warning has since been lifted and demonstrations are still in peaceful progress.
So who is this guy, anyway? Here are some salient details:
Law enforcement sources have identified 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter as the suspect in the targeted shooting of two Minnesota state lawmakers early Saturday morning, according to the Associated Press.
CNN confirmed that Boelter works for Praetorian Guard Security where he serves as director of security patrols and has received training from U.S. military personnel.
[…]
Boelter has an extensive professional background spanning security, international business, and workforce development.
According to Minnesota Africa United, he holds a doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University and has worked for major corporations including Nestle, Del Monte, and Marathon Speedway.
[…]
He previously served on Minnesota’s Governor’s Workforce Development Board, appointed by Governor Mark Dayton in 2016 and reappointed by Walz in 2019.
The governor’s office appoints thousands of people of all parties to these boards and commissions — that particular board has about 60 people on it. These are unpaid, external boards that the legislature creates, not appointments to positions in the governor’s Cabinet. However, a 2019 document shows Walz signed off on Boelter’s appointment “because of the special trust and confidence I have in your integrity, judgment, and ability.”
Despite serving under Democratic governors, Boelter last registered to vote in 2022 as a Republican, according to the New York Post.
And in a disturbing development, this right-wing shooter had a hit list over 70 names long in the car the authorities impounded. Among them were several notable Democratic politicians (including Gov. Walz himself, and federal representatives Ilhan Omar and Keith Ellison), as well as pro-choice leaders and abortion providers. The victims he succeeded in shooting were strongly pro-choice and instrumental in codifying abortion rights in Minnesota.
As of this writing, the shooter is still at large. If you are in the area and think you’ve seen him, don’t engage or approach him, as he is considered armed and dangerous. Also, if he comes knocking, don’t open your door to any lone man dressed as a police officer; real cops always work in pairs or groups. Stay in safety and call your local police or contact the local branch of the FBI.
Above all: Stay strong, dear Minnesotan friends.
