What We Know About the Suspect in the Minnesota Lawmakers Shootings
Context:
Vance Boelter, suspected of assassinating a Democratic state lawmaker and wounding another, was apprehended after a two-day manhunt in Minnesota. Disguised as a police officer, Boelter targeted the homes of two lawmakers, resulting in the death of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband. Boelter's background is varied, having worked in the food and funeral industries, and his political affiliations remain ambiguous despite his support for Donald Trump. His motives remain unclear, though the governor suggested a politically motivated assassination. Boelter had financial and mental health issues, and a notebook found with him listed potential targets, including other lawmakers and healthcare centers.
Dive Deeper:
Vance Boelter, the suspect in the Minnesota shooting of two politicians and their spouses, was captured after a major manhunt. He was found with a vehicle believed to be his, containing a notebook with names of potential targets, indicating a premeditated plan.
Boelter disguised himself as a police officer, complete with a ballistic vest and mask, to approach the homes of the lawmakers. His methodical approach suggests he had planned the attacks, which resulted in the death of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband.
Despite being politically unaffiliated in public records, Boelter was known to have voted for Donald Trump and held strong anti-abortion views. His motive for the attacks is still unclear, though the governor suggested it might be a politically driven assassination.
Boelter's life included a variety of careers, including positions in the food and funeral industries, and he had involvement in agricultural projects in Africa. He was also connected to a state economic board, where he may have crossed paths with one of his victims.
Personal struggles, including financial and mental health issues, seemed to have plagued Boelter in recent times. He left a text message to a friend indicating a sense of finality and apology for the trouble caused, which hints at his troubled state of mind leading up to the attacks.