Minnesota shootings suspect was a 'prepper', FBI says
Context:
Vance Luther Boelter, accused of the fatal shooting of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, was identified by the FBI as a doomsday prepper. Boelter also seriously injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, while planning further attacks. His wife, Jenny, was found with cash, passports, and firearms after being warned by Boelter to flee, highlighting a preparedness plan for catastrophic events. Boelter's motives included a delusional belief in a political conspiracy involving Minnesota's governor and Senator Amy Klobuchar, evidenced by a list of 70 political targets found in his possession. Disguised as a police officer, he gained access to the lawmakers' homes, and the attack has been labeled as targeted political violence by the state's governor, Tim Walz.
Dive Deeper:
Vance Luther Boelter was arrested after a two-day manhunt for the alleged murder of Minnesota Democratic House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the attempted murder of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. The FBI reported that Boelter was part of a small group preparing for catastrophic events.
Jenny Boelter, the suspect's wife, was intercepted by the police with their children, cash, passports, and firearms, as she attempted to flee following a warning from her husband about an impending attack. She described having a 'bailout plan' given by Boelter for emergencies.
A court document revealed Boelter's irrational belief in a conspiracy involving Minnesota's governor, Tim Walz, allegedly instructing him to kill Senator Amy Klobuchar. This belief was part of a broader delusion, as evidenced by a hit list of 70 political figures found with him.
Disguised as a law enforcement officer, Boelter used a vest, Taser, and badge to gain access to the homes of the targeted lawmakers, a tactic that underscores the premeditated nature of these acts.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the shootings as targeted political violence, a sentiment echoed by local media reports. Yvette Hoffman, one of the victims, was released from the hospital after being shot while protecting her daughter during the attack.