Governor Walz condemned the attacks in a press conference, saying, “One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the state of Minnesota.” He praised law enforcement for their rapid and coordinated efforts in capturing the suspect.
Boelter, who has a background in private security and military training, is the co-founder of Praetorian Guard Security Services based in the Twin Cities. His wife was briefly detained for questioning on Saturday but was later released without charges.
With both state and federal warrants out for his arrest — including for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution — Boelter’s capture brings some relief, though the investigation is far from over. Authorities continue to probe whether he had any assistance while on the run.
As Minnesota grieves and recovers, the political and security implications of this targeted attack are sure to reverberate for weeks to come.
A Shocking Weekend of Violence
The violence began early Saturday morning, when Boelter allegedly impersonated a police officer to gain access to the homes of several public officials. Authorities say he used a vehicle outfitted with flashing emergency lights to complete the disguise.
Tragically, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot at their Brooklyn Park residence. Just prior, Boelter is accused of attacking State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home in Champlin. Both survived and are currently recovering after surgery.
During the investigation, police uncovered a chilling “target list” in Boelter’s abandoned vehicle. The list named multiple high-profile Minnesota Democrats, including:
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Governor Tim Walz
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U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar
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U.S. Senator Tina Smith
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Attorney General Keith Ellison
Political and Public Reaction
Governor Walz addressed the public in a press conference, calling the shootings “unthinkable” and praising law enforcement for their quick and coordinated action. “One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the state of Minnesota,” he said.
Boelter has a background in private security and military training and co-founded Praetorian Guard Security Services in the Twin Cities. His wife was detained for questioning over the weekend but was released without charges.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Boelter now faces a slew of charges at both the state and federal levels, including unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. While his arrest brings some relief, authorities are still investigating whether he had any help during his time on the run.
As Minnesota mourns this senseless violence, questions around political safety, domestic extremism, and lawmaker protection will likely dominate the conversation for weeks to come.
