Minnesota officials label murder ‘political’ as questions remain about suspect’s politics

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has condemned the recent assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband as politically motivated, sparking questions about the suspect’s political affiliation. The governor immediately denounced the attacks as appearing to be politically motivated following the tragic events on Saturday morning.

The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, 57, has been charged with the killing of Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in separate incidents. Lawmakers from Minnesota and across the United States have joined Gov. Walz in condemning the violent attacks. While authorities have labeled the attacks as politically motivated, they have been less clear about the suspect’s political leanings.

U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson stated that Boelter’s primary motive was to “go out and murder people,” leading to the suspect’s capture after a two-day manhunt. Thompson emphasized that all the victims were Democrats but refrained from speculating on the specific ideological motivations behind the attacks.

Boelter now faces federal charges after being arrested in Sibley County on Sunday night, charged with stalking, murder, and firearm-related crimes. He also faces second-degree murder charges in Hennepin County. The FBI Minneapolis special agent, Alvin M. Winston, emphasized that political violence has no place in the country during a press conference on Monday.

Although Boelter was registered as a Republican voter in Oklahoma in 2004, he moved to Minnesota where voters do not list party affiliations. Boelter was previously appointed to Minnesota’s Workforce Development Board by two governors, and he had a background in security, including serving as the CEO of Red Lion Group in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Friends and former colleagues described Boelter as a devout Christian who attended an evangelical church and had attended Trump rallies. However, they noted that he was not overtly political in his discussions. Authorities found a manifesto in Boelter’s possession that listed the names and addresses of other public officials, including pro-abortion politicians and abortion rights advocates.

Boelter’s roommate and lifelong friend described him as a Trump supporter who had financial and mental health challenges. The friend expressed shock at the events, stating that Boelter seemed to have given up on life. Gov. Walz reiterated his condemnation of the violence during a press conference, stating that such actions cannot be the norm for addressing political differences.

As the investigation continues, it is essential to remember that political violence has no place in society. The tragic events in Minnesota serve as a stark reminder of the need for unity and peaceful discourse in the face of differing political views.