Who is Vance Boelter? FBI's $50K reward for suspect in Minnesota lawmaker shootings
The FBI announced a $50,000 reward for Vance Boelter, the prime suspect in the shootings of Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman.
The FBI is currently looking for Vance Luther Boelter, a 57-year-old male who is the prime suspect in the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their partners earlier this Saturday, June 14. According to the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Boelter is 6'1" and weighs 220 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. He was last seen wearing a cowboy hat, carrying a bag, and wearing light pants.
However, authorities have urged citizens to not engage with Boelter and immediately call 911 if they see him. According to Superintendent Drew Evans, the suspect is considered "armed and dangerous", as investigators believe he is going to leave the Twin Cities area.
The FBI's $50,000 reward on Vance Luther Boelter
On Saturday afternoon, the FBI released a picture of Vance Luther Boelter, wearing a fake police officer ensemble, standing outside one of the lawmakers' homes while wearing a mask. This was followed by the announcement of a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
The FBI announced a $50 000 reward for Vance Luther Boelter's arrest. Photo: BCA
There is information indicating that Boelter and Hortman attended the same public meeting, according to Evans. However, it is still unclear whether they knew each other before the shooting. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call at 877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us.
What happened to the Minnesota lawmakers?
While Representative Melissa Hortman was declared dead at the scene; her husband, Mark Hortman died at the hospital, according to a report from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner. According to Brookly Park police officers, they arrived at the scene around 3:35 a.m. and found a police SUV with emergency lights on.
Shortly after, the suspect exited the victim's home and fired at the officers before fleeing the scene o foot. Inside his vehicle, they found a list of possible targets, including abortion rights activists and abortion facilities. Additionally, "No kings" rally fliers were also found, and all "No Kings" protests were cancelled as a consequence.
