Key Takeaways:
- Vance Boelter, accused of killing DFL House leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, and injuring Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, voted in the 2024 Minnesota Republican presidential primary.
- Online disinformation falsely portrayed Boelter as a leftist linked to Gov. Tim Walz.
- Boelter, a Trump supporter, was captured after a 43-hour manhunt and faces multiple charges.
- His voting history and statements contradict claims of left-wing ties.
Uncovering the Truth: Boelter’s Ties Revealed in Tragic Shooting
A shocking wave of violence has rocked Minnesota, leaving a community in mourning and raising questions about the motivations behind the tragic events. Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old man, is now at the center of this horrific story. Authorities have accused Boelter of murdering DFL House leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as shooting and injuring Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. This shocking incident has sparked widespread grief and confusion, with many wondering what could drive someone to such extreme actions.
Amid the tragedy, false information has spread online, claiming that Boelter is a leftist with ties to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. However, evidence tells a different story. The Minnesota Reformer obtained a screenshot of Boelter’s voter profile, confirming that he voted in the 2024 Minnesota Republican presidential primary. This directly contradicts the false narrative that he is connected to Gov. Walz or the Democratic Party.
Who is Vance Boelter?
Vance Boelter, the man behind the tragic shootings, was captured by state and federal agents in Green Isle, a small town west of the Twin Cities. He is facing multiple state and federal charges, including murder and attempted murder. The manhunt lasted 43 hours, ending with his arrest on Sunday evening.
Boelter’s roommate and close friend have described him as a supporter of former President Donald Trump. In fact, his voting history backs this up. Public records show that he participated in the Republican primary earlier this year. His precinct, Washington Lake Township in Sibley County, had 100 voters in the primary, and none of them voted for the Legal Marijuana Now candidates.
Boelter’s Political Leanings
Despite online claims that Boelter is a leftist, his actions and words tell a different story. The Minnesota DFL Party shared data with the Star Tribune, confirming that Boelter did not vote in the Democratic primary. Instead, by process of elimination, he must have voted in the Republican primary.
Boelter’s friend and roommate also shared that he was a vocal supporter of Trump in 2024. This aligns with his voting history and public statements. Videos of his sermons, posted online, reveal that Boelter strongly opposes abortion and has expressed anti-LGBTQ views. He even delivered sermons in Matadi, a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he criticized abortion and LGBTQ people.
The Disinformation Campaign
In the aftermath of the shootings, right-wing influencers like Dan Cernovich and Lara Loomer have spread false claims about Boelter’s ties to Gov. Tim Walz. They suggest that Boelter is connected to Walz because he was appointed to the Workforce Development Board under Gov. Mark Dayton and reappointed by Walz. However, this is a common practice in Minnesota state government, where thousands of people serve on bipartisan boards and commissions. These appointments often require little more than a willingness to volunteer.
It’s important to note that the false claims about Boelter being a leftist are baseless. His voting history, public statements, and connections all point to the opposite. The spread of this disinformation has only added to the confusion and pain caused by this tragic event.
Boelter’s Motivations
Charging documents allege that Boelter had a list of potential targets, including Democratic elected officials from Minnesota and Wisconsin. Melissa Hortman, one of the victims, was a prominent figure in Minnesota politics as the DFL House leader. Sen. John Hoffman, who was also targeted, is another Democratic official. This suggests that Boelter’s actions were politically motivated.
Boelter’s strong opposition to abortion and LGBTQ rights, as seen in his sermons, may have played a role in his choices. His roommate described him as a Christian who held firm anti-abortion views. While this doesn’t excuse his actions, it provides some insight into his mindset.
A Call for Clarity and Truth
The tragic events in Minnesota remind us of the dangers of unchecked anger and hatred. Vance Boelter’s actions have left a community in shock and grief. It’s crucial to rely on facts and evidence, rather than falling for false information spread online.
As the investigation continues, it’s important to honor the memories of those lost and injured. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, deserve justice. At the same time, we must remain vigilant against disinformation that seeks to divide us and distort the truth.
The truth is clear: Vance Boelter is a man with a history of supporting Republican candidates and holding anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQ views. His actions are not representative of any political party or ideology. They are the actions of an individual who chose violence over peace.
In the days ahead, let’s come together to support the victims and their families. Let’s also work to create a society where such tragedies are less likely to occur. By standing for truth and rejecting hatred, we can build a better future for everyone.