Minnesota Lawmaker's Killing: Suspect Identified as 'Prepper' Ready for Conflict

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Vance Boelter had texted his family that they needed to flee their house before ‘people with guns’ showed up

The individual accused in the tragic shootings involving two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses was revealed to be a doomsday 'prepper' who urged his family to brace for conflict as he tried to avoid capture, as per recent court documents.

Vance Boelter, aged 57, is facing numerous federal and state murder charges after allegedly killing Democratic Minnesota state house speaker emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, on June 14. Boelter is also charged with shooting and severely injuring Democratic state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, about an hour and a half earlier.

In a newly disclosed affidavit, law enforcement stopped Boelter's wife and four children near Lake Mille Lacs, approximately 75 miles north of the Twin Cities, as they were reportedly heading towards Wisconsin after the shootings. During a search of the vehicle, authorities discovered a revolver, a semi-automatic pistol, a safe, passports, and over $10,000 in cash.

Boelter's wife informed investigators that he had sent a message to their children, advising them to prepare for conflict and leave the house due to a potential threat from armed individuals.

According to the affidavit, Boelter and his wife were preppers, individuals who store weapons, food, and other supplies to survive a major disaster or crisis. Boelter had given his wife a 'bailout plan' outlining what to do in exigent circumstances, which included going to her mother's residence in Wisconsin.

The affidavit also mentioned that Boelter had a business partner in Washington with whom he co-owned a security company and fishing outfit in Congo, Africa.

The shootings occurred amidst widespread protests against the Trump administration's policies, highlighting concerns about free speech and due process rights in the US.

Boelter was apprehended two days after the shootings while attempting to evade arrest by fleeing into a wooded area near his home.

Law enforcement discovered a storage locker rented by Boelter in Minneapolis, containing empty rifle cases, gun-cleaning supplies, and a bike. A 'hit list' of individuals, including lawmakers and advocates, was found in what was believed to be Boelter's vehicle.

The Hoffman family released a statement expressing their shock and concern over the attack, emphasizing the risks associated with public service in today's world.



Source: The Guardian
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