Former Walz Appointee Accused Cop-Investment in Shocking Minnesota Political Killings

The man accused of pretending to be a police officer and shooting two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota has been identified as someone who was once appointed by Governor Tim Walz to serve on the state’s Workforce Development Council.

A reporter from TheBlaze, Julio Rosas, posted a document that shows the suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, was officially chosen by Governor Walz to be a business member of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board. The document, which was signed and notarized, says Boelter was given the position because the governor trusted his honesty, judgment, and skills. The Associated Press later confirmed that Boelter is the person now suspected in the shootings.

According to reports, Boelter allegedly dressed as a police officer to enter the home of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette early on Saturday in Champlin, Minnesota. He shot them both, leaving them badly injured. Then, he reportedly went to another home, that of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. There, he is believed to have killed both of them.

Police say Boelter used his disguise as an officer to gain access to the victims’ homes. They believe the attack was politically motivated. Senator Hoffman and his wife survived the shooting and are still in the hospital, but in stable condition.

Officials held a press conference Saturday morning where they shared that the shootings were likely driven by political reasons, making the attacks even more shocking.