Who is Vance Luther Boelter? Suspect in Minnesota lawmaker killings identified

Authorities have reportedly identified a suspect wanted in connection with an early-morning shooting that left one Minnesota lawmaker and her husband dead, and a second lawmaker and his wife injured. 

Vance Luther Boelter, 57, is being sought for his alleged connection with the attack, two sources familiar with the matter told the Associated Press. 

Boelter is reportedly the CEO of Red Lion Group, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Praetorian Guard Security Services, according to Minnesota Africans United’s website. 

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"I have been doing projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa for the last three years with the Red Lion Group," Boelter wrote on his LinkedIn page last month, noting that he is currently open to work. 

Boelter possesses an extensive security background, with experience in situations in Africa, North America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East – including the Gaza Strip – according to Praetorian Guard Security Services’ website. He has reportedly received security training by members of the U.S. Military and private firms. 

Boelter's family members, Praetorian Guard Security Services and Minnesota Africans United did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

Boelter reportedly earned his PhD in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University and was previously appointed to the state’s Workforce Development Board by two Minnesota governors, according to Fox 9. 

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He was reportedly initially appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton in 2016, before being reappointed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2019 as a private sector representative to the council. Boelter’s term expired in 2023. 

The Minnesota Workforce Development Board and Walz’s administration did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman were fatally shot in Brooklyn Park early Saturday in what Walz described as "targeted political violence." 

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"We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence," Walz said. "Those responsible for this will be held accountable."

In a related shooting, DFL Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot in Champlin. They are expected to survive and are out of surgery. 

According to authorities, the gunman was allegedly dressed as a uniformed police officer and was driving a vehicle that appeared to be outfitted as a fake patrol car. 

"[The] suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent," Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said. "That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility." 

The gunman allegedly escaped through a back door of Hortman's house following an exchange of gunfire with police, officials said. 

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State Police Col. Christina Bogojevic asked people to not attend any of the "No Kings" protests scheduled throughout the state Saturday. Bogojevic said authorities do not have any evidence that the suspect would be targeting the protests, but added that police had discovered a pile of "No Kings" flyers inside a vehicle believed to be tied to the gunman. 

President Donald Trump said in a White House statement that the FBI would aid in the investigation. 

"Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!"

The FBI directed Fox News Digital’s request for comment to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. 

Authorities warn the suspect is considered armed and dangerous. 

Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.