Latest news with #VanceBoelter
CBS News
2 hours ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Minnesota lawmaker shootings suspect was "prepper" who gave wife "bailout plan," affidavit states
Recently unsealed court documents shed more light on the mindset and actions of the man charged in connection to the deadly shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses this past weekend in the Twin Cities. Vance Boelter, 57, is in custody and faces multiple federal and state murder charges following the attack overnight Saturday that killed Democratic House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, inside their Brooklyn Park home. Boelter's also accused of shooting and seriously wounding Democratic Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, inside their Champlin home about 90 minutes earlier. A memorial for Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband is set up outside the Capitol in St. Paul on June 15, 2025. WCCO Details from the affidavit According to an affidavit filed by an FBI special agent, law enforcement pulled over Boelter's wife and four children hours after the shootings on Saturday near Lake Mille Lacs. His wife told investigators they were going to visit friends after her husband posted in a family group text "they needed to get out of the house and people with guns may be showing up." The affidavit states Boelter's wife told investigator they were "preppers," meaning they "prepare for major or catastrophic incidents." She says her husband gave her a "bailout plan," including a directive to go to her mother's home in southwestern Wisconsin. She also told investigators her husband "has a business partner from Worthington" who lives in the state of Washington. She allegedly said the two were "partners … in Red Lion, a security company and fishing outfit in Congo, Africa," the affidavit states. Detectives sweep Hortmans' neighborhood again Brooklyn Park police say detectives are again canvassing the area of the Hortmans' home near Edinburgh Golf Course on Friday "for any additional evidence related to the homicides" and Wednesday's break-in at their home. Police say "there is no danger to the public." WCCO's Sky 4 helicopter spotted law enforcement gathered at a pond on the golf course, with drivers searching the waters. WCCO The evidence scattered around Hortman's neighborhood Police encountered Boelter at about 3:30 a.m. Saturday outside the Hortmans' home, where they exchanged gunfire, the federal criminal complaint notes. After allegedly killing the Hortmans, he fled the area on foot. Officers pursued, finding a ballistic vest, handgun magazines, a flashlight, face mask and Beretta 92 9mm pistol along the way. The federal complaint notes investigators identified Boelter from a storage unit bill found at the scene that listed his name; license plates found that were removed from the vehicle left outside the Hortmans' home, registered to Boelter and his wife; and pieces of the Beretta handgun — bought by Boelter in 2020 — and abandoned ammo magazine found in the Hortmans' neighborhood. Investigators say the ammo matched bullet casings found around their home. Hoffmans detail night of terror Yvette Hoffman, who was shot eight times, was released from the hospital on Thursday evening. Her husband, who suffered nine gunshot wounds, is in serious but stable condition. Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman with his wife, Yvette Hoffman (right), and his daughter, Hope Hoffman (left). John Hoffman via Facebook In a statement released on Thursday night, the Hoffman family recounted the terrifying attack, saying they were woken up by someone impersonating an officer who was banging on their door at 2 a.m. The senator was shot while lunging at the gunman. As he fell to the floor, his wife was shot while pushing the gunman out of the front doorway. The Hoffmans' daughter, Hope, shut and locked the door before calling 911, triggering a warning that a "politically motivated act was potentially underway," according to the statement. "We are grappling with the reality that we live in a world where public service carries such risks as being targeted because someone disagrees with you or doesn't like what you stand for," the family wrote in the statement. "As a society, as a nation, as a community, we must work together to return to a level of civility that allows us all to live peacefully. The future for our children depends on that. We will be praying for that work and appreciate all those who will join with us." This story will be updated. , , , and contributed to this report.
Fox News
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Despite two assassination attempts, NY Times blames Trump for 'angry culture' that can lead to violence
The New York Times editorial board pointed the finger at President Donald Trump on Friday following another incident of deadly political violence. In a new editorial, the board said Trump is the chief individual to blame for America sliding into an era marked by political violence. "Although Mr. Trump has been a personal victim of this violence, he also deserves particular responsibility for our angry culture," the board declared. The headline read, "The Nation Encourages Political Violence by Allowing It to Seem Normal." The Times published the piece days after the deadly shootings that claimed the lives of Minnesota state legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and resulted in the wounding of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, last weekend. The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, was arrested on Sunday following a two-day manhunt in Minnesota after he allegedly posed as a police officer and killed the Hortmans. The previous day, he carried out a related attack against Hoffman and his wife. Boelter was found with a cache of weapons, including at least three AK-47 assault rifles and a 9mm handgun, along with a manifesto that listed 70 names and addresses, some of which belonged to other public officials. The Friday editorial argued that this latest politically motivated attack represents a "surge in political violence during the Trump years" that has imperiled not only American lives but also our country's collective memory." The board recounted several high-profile instances of political violence that have occurred in America in the last decade, listing the shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., in 2017, the Jan. 6 Capitol Riot, the attack on former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's, D-Calif., husband, and the two assassination attempts on Trump, as part of the "grim catalog of political violence in recent years." It declared that "Fear has become a fact of life for politicians," elsewhere noting that "Democrats and Republicans alike have been the victims" of attacks driven by "demonizing comments" that people "on both the firth and the left engage in." The board then blamed Trump for this, justifying the point in stating, "He uses threatening language in ways that no other modern president has. He praises people who commit violence in his name, such as the Jan. 6 rioters, many of whom he has pardoned, despite their attacks on police officers and others. He sometimes seems incapable of extending basic decency to Democrats." "Instead of calling Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota to express condolences about the killings of two of his friends, Mr. Trump insulted Mr. Walz," the piece stated, adding, "It is no coincidence that hate crimes have surged, according to the F.B.I., during Mr. Trump's decade as a dominant political figure." Other Democratic Party leaders have made the same argument about Trump in the days since the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Figures like former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., pointed to the president when asked this week what has led to more violent incidents that seem to be politically motivated. The Trump administration has rejected these statements, with White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson telling Fox News Digital earlier this week, "Democrats are wrong to exploit this tragedy and blame President Trump… President Trump – the survivor of two assassination attempts – is uniting the country through patriotism, prosperity, and success. Radical Democrats must stop with their divisive, violent rhetoric."
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Minnesota lawmaker shot 9 times at his home in 'targeted' attack is in a critical condition
The Minnesota lawmaker who survived an attack by a gunman on his doorstep is still in a critical condition and has revealed details of the terrifying moment he and his wife were shot multiple times. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, released a statement Thursday, obtained by NBC affiliate KARE of Minneapolis, outlining the events in the early hours of June 14. The Hoffmans continue their recovery in the hospital — Sen. Hoffman is in a critical but stable condition, while his wife is in a stable condition, the statement said. The suspected gunman, Vance Boelter, is accused of shooting them and killing the state's top legislator, Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz described the shootings as "targeted political violence." In the statement, the Hoffmans described the night of the shooting, which occurred after they returned to their Champlin home from a dinner. Their adult daughter Hope was also present. "At approximately 2:00 a.m., we were all awakened by the sounds of pounding on the front door and shouts of someone seeking entry, identifying himself as a police officer," the couple's statement said. "When the door was opened, all three of us were in the entryway. John initially lunged at the gunman as the weapon was pointed directly at him, getting struck nine times. As John fell, Yvette reached out to push the man and shut the door, succeeding before she was also hit eight times by gunfire," the statement continued. The couple's daughter then shut the door and locked it before phoning 911. "Her brave actions and quick thinking triggered the notice to public safety officials that a politically-motivated act was potentially underway," the statement said. The Hoffmans thanked the medical professionals who cared for them and the law enforcement officers who attended the scene and eventually caught Boelter after what became the biggest manhunt in Minnesota history. The couple also said they were "heartbroken to know that our friends Melissa and Mark Hortman were assassinated," adding that their daughters went to school together In the statement, the couple also thanked the local community and Fernbrook School, where Yvette Hoffman works, for organizing a GoFundMe page that has raised almost $200,000 to pay for medical expenses and increased security measures. Prosecutors said that notebooks found in Boelter's SUV and at his home showed the names of more than 45 state and federal elected officials. The Hoffmans reflected on the threat faced by public officials and said they understood that public sector figures sacrifice some level of privacy. "But now we are grappling with the reality that we live in a world where public service carries such risks as being targeted because someone disagrees with you or doesn't like what you stand for," they said. This article was originally published on
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Police are at my door. Do I need to answer? What to know if law enforcement knocks in Texas
Knock! Knock! Knock! There's a stranger at your doorstep. You rush to the peephole to see who's there. It's the police. They ask you to open the door. Your next move could be costly. Do you open the door, ask questions, or ignore them? Following what prosecutors have described as the "political assassination" of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband — part of an attack that also injured Sen. John Hoffman and his wife — many Americans are now questioning their legal and practical options in response to the incident. The suspect in the case, Vance Boelter, 57, was dressed in a police officer's attire, complete with a black tactical vest, and carried a flashlight, as an officer would, according to an affidavit filed in federal court and written by Special Agent Terry Getsch of the FBI. Boelter was also driving an SUV equipped with a fake "POLICE" license plate and "law enforcement-style emergency lights," the affidavit said. "This is the police. Open the door," Boelter shouted outside at around 2 a.m. on June 14, according to Hoffman's family members, Getsch wrote in the affidavit. Here's what to know about answering the door for law enforcement in Texas. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution offers safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures, granting your home the greatest degree of protection. As a result, law enforcement officers cannot enter your residence without valid legal authority. If the police knock on your door, you're not obligated to answer or let them in. According to this tactic, known as a 'knock and talk,' is designed to begin a voluntary conversation, but your participation is entirely optional. Law enforcement knocking on your door can be intimidating. Most people's first inclination is to answer the door for them. However, that doesn't mean you have to. Here are five things to keep in mind if police officers knock on your door: You don't have to open the door unless they have a warrant. If officers don't present a search or arrest warrant, you're not legally obligated to let them in. Ask if they have a warrant — and see it. If they claim to have one, you can request to see it through a window or have them slide it under the door before opening up. Don't step outside your home or invite them in unless you want to. Once you open the door or step outside, you may unintentionally waive some of your Fourth Amendment protections. Stay calm and polite — but say little. You have the right to remain silent. You can simply say, 'I don't wish to speak without a lawyer,' and that's enough. If they don't have a warrant, they can't enter unless there's an emergency. This includes things like hearing screams, seeing someone in danger, or suspecting a crime is actively happening inside. According to the Texas Constitution Search & Seizures §9, the law says the people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions, from all unreasonable seizures or searches, and no warrant to search any place, or to seize any person or thing, shall issue without describing them as near as may be, nor without probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation. According to Texas law, there are situations of "exigent circumstances," also known as warrantless search and seizure in Texas. Under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the law authorizes officers to enter homes without a warrant in exigent circumstances. Examples of this include: Protection of life (first aid, extracting children who appear to be in danger, protecting an undercover officer or informant). Protection of property (such as extinguishing a fire or stopping a burglary). Preventing destruction of evidence. Pursuing a fleeing felon ('hot pursuit'). According to the Texas District & County Attorneys Association, exigent circumstances can justify an officer's initial entry into a residence, especially when the goal is to help someone in danger or ensure public safety. However, once the immediate emergency is under control, officers are no longer permitted to continue searching without legal authority. A warrant or another specific exception must be in place to allow further examination of the premises, though officers may secure the location while obtaining one. Notably, the exigent circumstances rule does not create a blanket exception for murder scenes that would permit unrestricted searches; entry is only permitted to assist victims or locate an attacker. -USA TODAY Network Amanda Lee Myers contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: If police knock on your door, do you need to open? What Texas law says
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dem Assassin Is Armed Guard Boss With Anti-Abortion Hit-List
The man suspected of killing a top Minnesota state lawmaker has been identified as Vance Boelter, law enforcement sources told the Associated Press. The suspect, presumed to be Boelter, left behind a target list with more than 70 names, including top Minnesota Democrats like Gov. Tim Walz, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and abortion providers and advocates, according to CNN and ABC News. Boelter, 57, was appointed to Minnesota's Governor's Workforce Development Board by Walz in 2019, according to a document available online. The board advises the governor on Minnesota's workforce. Boelter is listed as director of security patrols for Praetorian Guard Security Services, a Minnesota company that offers 'residential security patrols' by guards who are 'armed' and 'uniformed,' according to its site. The site shows Boelter alongside the company's president and CEO on a leadership page. His biography on the site says that he 'has been involved with security situations in Eastern Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East, including the West Bank, Southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.' 'He brings a great security aspect forged by both many on the ground experiences combined with training by both private security firms and by people in the U.S. Military,' it says. The bio promises that Boelter has the necessary experience to 'keep your family and property safe.' Based on public records, Boelter appears to have daughters named Faith, Hope, and Grace. Two of the daughters seem to be married, based on Minnesota wedding sites that match their names. And Instagram pages apparently belonging to two of the daughters feature bible quotes in their bios. Postings by family members suggest that some of Boelter's five children–four daughters and a son—were homeschooled. Boelter is suspected of killing Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, at their home in a Minneapolis suburb. The suspect also shot state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, at their home, but the couple is still alive. Both lawmakers were Democrats. The police have not announced any arrests. The target list, whose existence was confirmed by law enforcement earlier on Saturday, contained the names of many major Minnesota Democrats, including Walz, Omar, Sen. Tina Smith, and Attorney General Keith Ellison, law enforcement sources told ABC. The item was recovered from the suspect's car after he fled a shootout with police, Brooklyn Park police chief Mark Bruley said during a press conference. Bruley said that the target list featured the names of 'many lawmakers and other officials,' including the two who were shot, but did not go into further specifics. The suspect was cornered by police at the Hortman home, which they checked after discovering that Hoffman was shot. He exchanged gunfire with police but was able to escape out the back of the house on foot. The man—described as white with brown hair—appeared to be impersonating a police officer. He was wearing a vest, taser, and badge, Bruley said. 'No question, if they were in this room, you would assume they were a police officer.' The suspect's car, which was in the Hortmans' driveway, was also made to look 'exactly like a SUV squad car,' including emergency lights, Bruley said. The car also contained fliers advertising the nationwide 'No Kings' protests against Donald Trump, which were scheduled to happen on Saturday, Minnesota State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic said at a news conference. 'We are asking the public not to attend today's planned demonstrations across Minnesota out of an abundance of caution,' she said. A state official told The New York Times that there was 'reason to believe' that the suspect intended to target one of the anti-Trump rallies. The state patrol posted a photo, apparently of the fliers in the suspect's car, on social media, again urging the public not to attend the rallies. Organizers canceled the anti-Trump rallies across the state, according to the Associated Press. Local police are conducting a 'large-scale' manhunt with the help of the FBI. Multiple people have already been questioned, although no one is in custody. Bruley said, though, that 'persons of interest' have been identified. Walz, who also spoke at the press conference, called the shootings 'targeted political violence.' 'We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,' he said. 'Those responsible for this will be held accountable.' Hortman, 55, was the top Democrat in Minnesota's House and previously served as speaker. She was first elected in 2004. The wounded lawmaker, Hoffman, 60, has held his office since 2012. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous. Police ordered people living in the vicinity of the shootings—which took place in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota—to shelter in place. If a police officer approaches their house, locals have been instructed to call 911 to verify that the person is actually an officer. Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described Boelter as a Walz 'aide.' He was a non-political appointee of the governor.
