The man accused of carrying out a deadly shooting spree that claimed the lives of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband was reportedly a “doomsday prepper,” according to an FBI affidavit.
Vance Boelter, 57, is facing murder charges for the deaths of Democratic House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, last Saturday. He is also accused of critically injuring State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, during the same incident.
Federal documents reveal that Boelter’s wife told investigators their family belonged to a small community of individuals who actively prepare for catastrophic or end-of-world scenarios.
Boelter was captured last Sunday in a wooded area following a two-day manhunt. His wife, Jenny Boelter, was stopped by police hours after the shootings while transporting their four children to a safe location. Authorities say she had received a warning message from her husband, urging her to leave immediately.
According to FBI agent Terry Getsch, the message suggested an imminent threat: “It said something like, ‘prepare for war,’ and warned that armed individuals could be headed to their home.” Inside her vehicle, police discovered $10,000 in cash, multiple firearms, and passports. Jenny Boelter has not been charged.
She also disclosed that her husband had prepared an emergency escape plan for her and mentioned their involvement in a security venture and fishing operation named “Red Lion,” reportedly based in Congo. Boelter’s alleged business partner resides in Washington state.
Authorities believe Boelter had a broader list of targets and was possibly planning additional attacks. According to reports from the Minnesota Star Tribune, he wrote a rambling letter to the FBI in which he falsely claimed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had ordered him to assassinate Senator Amy Klobuchar to pave the way for Walz to assume her Senate seat. No evidence supports this conspiracy.
Officials found a list of nearly 70 political figures in Boelter’s possession, including both of Minnesota’s U.S. senators, Klobuchar and Tina Smith, as well as Governor Walz.
Investigators say Boelter disguised himself as a police officer—complete with a tactical vest, badge, and Taser—to gain entry to his victims’ homes.
Governor Walz has condemned the incident as a deliberate act of political violence.
Yvette Hoffman, who was seriously injured while shielding her daughter during the attack, was released from the hospital on Thursday. Her husband remains under medical care. Their daughter, Hope, was the one who called emergency services during the shooting.
