Vance Luther Boelter, a former pastor and twice-appointed state adviser, is accused of carrying out politically-charged shootings that left Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband dead and wounded another lawmaker and his wife.

Authorities say Boelter fatally shot Rep. Hortman and her husband in their home before targeting Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in a separate attack, impersonating a police officer and leaving behind a list of public figures as possible targets, The Christian Post reported.

The shootings occurred Saturday across two Minneapolis suburbs. According to law enforcement, Boelter, 57, approached the Hortman residence under the guise of a police officer and gained entry before allegedly opening fire.

Rep. Hortman, 55, and her husband, Mark, were killed in the incident. Just hours later, Boelter allegedly went to the home of 60-year-old state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Both were wounded by gunfire but survived.

Police say Boelter exchanged gunfire with officers outside the Hoffmans’ home before fleeing the scene. A manhunt ensued, eventually leading authorities to a vehicle connected to the suspect, which provided critical evidence.

Notes point to political motivations

Inside the suspect's car, investigators found a document containing the names of additional potential targets. These reportedly included several public officials and individuals associated with abortion rights advocacy.

A flyer bearing the phrase “No Kings” was also recovered, leading officials to believe Boelter may have been targeting demonstrations that were ultimately called off. The phrase, interpreted as politically symbolic, contributed to suspicions of ideological extremism.

Governor Tim Walz condemned the attacks as a deliberate and ideologically driven act. “A politically motivated assassination,” he called the shootings, while praising the late lawmaker’s public service and leadership.

Boelter's religious past and board role

Boelter had no declared political affiliation when he was appointed to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board. His first appointment came in 2016 from Gov. Mark Dayton, with a reappointment in 2019 by Gov. Walz.

Officials from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension stated Boelter and Sen. Hoffman served on the same workforce board, but said it's unclear whether the two had a direct relationship. Drew Evans, the agency's superintendent, said authorities “don’t know the nature of the relationship or if they knew each other.”

Boelter’s background includes missionary work in Africa and education in theology and leadership. According to his online profiles, he attended a Bible college in Dallas and claimed training in security and crisis settings abroad and the United States.

Roommate describes shocking turn

David Carlson, Boelter’s longtime roommate, said the suspect never voiced animosity toward political figures and that the attack came as a complete shock. Carlson described Boelter as deeply religious and politically conservative, expressing anti-abortion views and support for Donald Trump.

Carlson told The Wall Street Journal he last saw Boelter on Friday night, when the suspect seemed tired but gave no alarming signs. The following morning, Carlson received a troubling text from Boelter saying he would be “gone for a while” and that he “may be dead shortly.”

That message led Carlson to contact police, fearing his roommate might harm himself. At no point, he emphasized, did he imagine Boelter would commit violence against others.

Background in ministry and business

Boelter gave sermons posted online, in one stating, “I met Jesus when I was 17 years old, and I gave my life to him.” He worked for churches, including LaBorne Matadi in the Congo, where he was photographed preaching in social media posts.

He and his wife, Jenny, also operated a dog breeding venture named Praetorian Shilohs, focused on a particular shepherd breed. The business emphasized family-oriented and guardian dog training, according to archived content from its website.

Despite Boelter’s public engagement through ministry and state advisory roles, authorities are reviewing additional materials to fully understand the planning and intention behind the acts. Investigators haven’t confirmed whether Boelter knew the victims personally.

Officials continue to investigate the motive

At this stage, law enforcement officials are treating the case as politically charged but are still determining the full motive. The handwritten list of targets and ideological imagery found at the scene suggests broader grievances.

Authorities and forensic specialists are examining digital footprints, personal writings, and communications sent by Boelter leading up to the attack. The case is being handled with assistance from federal investigators.

Gov. Walz has asked Minnesotans to remember Rep. Hortman for her “grace, compassion, humor, and a sense of service,” as officials prepare for legislative memorials and further security reviews for state lawmakers.