Who is Vance Boelter? Minnesota shooting suspect who texted his friend: ‘I might be dead soon’

Law enforcement identified Vance Luther Boelter, 57, as the Minnesota assassin (Image: FBI, X)

The suspect in the targeted shootings of Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman has been identified as Vance Luther Boelter, according to a report by the New York Post citing sources.

Boelter, 57, is wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of Democratic state legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Authorities launched a manhunt on Saturday.

Public records and online posts suggest Boelter had ties to evangelical ministries and claimed to be a security expert with experience in the Gaza Strip and Africa.

David Carlson, who had been sharing a house in Minneapolis with Boelter for just over a year, told Reuters he last saw him on Friday night. Shortly after, Carlson received a text message from Boelter.

"He said that he might be dead soon," said Carlson, who called police.

Carlson, a friend of Boelter since fourth grade, said Boelter worked at an eye donation center and stayed at the house due to its proximity to his workplace.

According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Vance Luther Boelter is described as 6-foot-1, approximately 220 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen Saturday morning in Minneapolis wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, dark long-sleeve shirt, light pants, and carrying a dark bag.

The FBI released an image showing a man believed to be Boelter standing outside one of the lawmakers’ homes, dressed like a police officer and wearing a mask. Authorities stated the suspect was impersonating law enforcement during the attack and was likely wearing a realistic latex mask.

The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest and conviction.

The FBI offers a reward of up to $50,000 for info leading to the arrest and conviction of Vance L. Boelter, suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses at their residences on June 14, 2025: https://t.co/XjawGOt5lqpic.twitter.com/tZ9RE97OHk

FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) June 14, 2025

Police said materials found in Boelter’s vehicle included fliers with the phrase “No Kings,” referencing protests planned against the Trump administration. They also discovered a manifesto and a list of political figures.

According to ABC News, the list included prominent Democrats such as Governor Tim Walz, Representative Ilhan Omar, Senator Tina Smith, and Attorney General Keith Ellison. CNN reported the list also featured abortion providers and advocates for abortion rights.

Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said at a news conference that Boelter was armed and dangerous.