A chilling new report from the Star Tribune has revealed disturbing details about Vance Boelter, the man accused of murdering Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and of seriously wounding another Democratic lawmaker and his wife. According to investigators, Boelter—who embraced far-right ideologies and lived as a self-described “prepper”—left behind a conspiracy-laden letter claiming Governor Tim Walz ordered him to kill U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar.
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Rambling Letter Claims Secret Military Training and Political Motive
The 1.5-page letter, described as “incoherent” and “conspiratorial” by authorities, was found in Boelter’s vehicle after the attacks. In it, Boelter allegedly wrote that he had received off-the-books military training and claimed Gov. Walz wanted Sen. Klobuchar eliminated to clear a path for a Senate run—a position Walz has never publicly expressed interest in.
There is no evidence supporting any of the claims made in the letter. Nonetheless, conspiracy theorists online have latched onto it, suggesting without basis that Boelter was a left-wing actor.
Violent Attacks on Minnesota Lawmakers
The violence unfolded in the early morning hours of June 14. Authorities say Boelter, 57, disguised himself as a police officer and arrived at Rep. Hortman’s home around 2:00 a.m., wearing a mask and shouting “This is the police. Open the door.” He allegedly murdered Hortman and her husband before moving on to the residence of state Sen. John Hoffman, where he and Hoffman exchanged gunfire.
Initial confusion led responding officers to briefly believe Boelter was a fellow law enforcement officer. That was quickly clarified, and Boelter was taken into custody after the shootout.
Prepper Lifestyle and “Bailout Plan”
Boelter’s actions appear to have been premeditated. Court documents describe him as a “prepper” with extremist beliefs about abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and government authority. His vehicle was found loaded with assault-style rifles, dozens of loaded magazines, wound care supplies, and sleeping masks—suggesting he had prepared for a prolonged standoff or escape.
He also reportedly warned his family of a potential “bailout plan” if anything went wrong. After the attacks, police tracked his wife via cellphone data to a nearby location in Wisconsin, where she was found with two handguns, $10,000 in cash, and passports for herself and her children.
Texts recovered from her phone included alarming messages such as:
“Dad went to war last night… I don’t wanna say more because I don’t wanna implicate anybody,”
and
“There’s gonna be some people coming to the house armed and trigger-happy and I don’t want you guys around.”
Use of Data Broker Sites to Build Target List
In one of the most unsettling revelations, investigators say Boelter used data broker websites to locate and track his victims. A handwritten list found in his belongings included services like TruePeopleSearch, Spokeo, BeenVerified, Whitepages, and others. His notes referenced dozens of potential targets, according to the court documents.
Legal Proceedings and Public Outcry
Boelter currently faces six federal charges related to the shootings, and local prosecutors have announced their intention to pursue a first-degree murder charge. While initial charges in Hennepin County were filed as second-degree murder, Minnesota law requires a grand jury to review evidence before a first-degree murder charge can be officially brought—prompting some confusion and outrage on social media.
A Case That Shook Minnesota
The case has sent shockwaves through Minnesota’s political and public safety communities. As new information continues to emerge, the portrait of Boelter as a radicalized individual with calculated intentions only deepens. Authorities are continuing their investigation into how such a detailed and deadly plan was carried out—and how close he may have come to doing even more harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the alleged shooter?
Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old Minnesota man with a history of far-right extremist views, is accused of killing state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and injuring state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
What did Boelter claim in the letter?
Boelter wrote a 1.5-page letter claiming that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered him to assassinate U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. The letter also alleges he received secret “off the books” military training.
Was the letter taken seriously by authorities?
No. The letter is described as “incoherent,” “rambling,” and “conspiratorial.” There is no evidence supporting any of the claims, and officials believe the content reflects Boelter’s delusions.
Where was the letter found?
The letter was discovered in Boelter’s car following his arrest on June 14, 2025.
Is there any evidence that Gov. Walz wanted to run for Senate?
No. Governor Tim Walz has never expressed interest in running for the U.S. Senate. The letter’s claims are entirely unsubstantiated.
Are there any connections between Boelter and state officials?
No known legitimate connections exist between Boelter and any elected officials. His actions appear to have been driven by extremist ideology and paranoia.
How did Boelter carry out the attack?
Disguised as a police officer, Boelter reportedly forced entry into two lawmakers’ homes during the early hours of June 14, fatally shooting Rep. Hortman and her husband, and wounding Sen. Hoffman and his wife.
What weapons and supplies did police find?
Boelter’s car contained multiple assault-style rifles, loaded magazines, first aid gear, and survival items—typical of someone preparing for a long-term confrontation or escape.
Conclusion
The case of Vance Boelter has sent shockwaves through Minnesota and beyond, highlighting the dangerous intersection of political extremism, misinformation, and violence. While Boelter’s letter contains baseless and delusional claims—such as an alleged order from Governor Tim Walz to assassinate Senator Amy Klobuchar—its very existence underscores the extent to which radical ideologies and conspiracy theories can take root and lead to real-world tragedy.
Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of Boelter’s plans, including a potential list of targets and the role of his family in the aftermath. As the legal process unfolds, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to address domestic extremism, safeguard public officials, and combat the spread of politically motivated disinformation.