- A 57-year-old man who has been named as a suspect in the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers worked at a private-security company that says he has been involved in “security situations” around the world, including in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. The suspect remains at large, and a manhunt is underway across the Minneapolis area.
The suspect in the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers on Saturday worked at a private-security company that claims he has experience around the world.
State Rep. Melissa Hortman, 55 years old, and her husband were shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park home. Elsewhere in Champlin, state Sen. John Hoffman, 60, and his wife were also shot at home and are recovering after undergoing surgery. Gov. Tim Walz described the shooting as “an act of targeted political violence.”
State authorities said they are looking for 57-year-old Vance Boelter, who remains at large with a manhunt underway across the Minneapolis area.
According to the website for his company Praetorian Guard Security Services, Boelter is listed as director of security patrols, while his wife is listed as president and CEO.
“Dr. Vance Boelter has been involved with security situations in Eastern Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East, including the West Bank, Southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip,” the site says. “He brings a great security aspect forged by both many on the ground experiences combined with training by both private security firms and by people in the U.S. Military.”
Another member of Praetorian’s leadership team includes a security training manager who is described as a retired undercover officer.
The company didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Law enforcement officials said a dark SUV with police lights was parked at Hortman’s home when they responded to the shooting, adding that a man dressed like a police officer was inside and opened fire on Brooklyn Park police officers before fleeing.
Praetorian’s website also says Boelter has worked for “the world’s largest food company based in Switzerland and the world’s largest convenience retailer based in Japan.”
That appears to align with a LinkedIn profile with Boelter’s name and photo that includes prior jobs as a supervisor at Nestle and a 7-Eleven general manager.
It doesn’t mention Praetorian Guard or any prior military experience, but lists his current job as CEO of Red Lion Group in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Minnesota Star Tribune cited an online video from two years ago that appears to show Boelter preaching in Congo and telling a congregation, “I met Jesus when I was 17 years old and I gave my life to him.”
The LinkedIn page also says Boelter has a doctorate in leadership and a master of science in management from Cardinal Stritch University. It says he has a bachelor’s degree in international relations from St. Cloud State University.