An F.B.I. agent has revealed that Vance Boelter, the man accused of fatally shooting a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband, had left instructions for his wife in case of an emergency. According to a court document, Boelter had prepared a “bailout plan” for his family, indicating a belief in an imminent catastrophic event.
The affidavit, unsealed on Friday, detailed that Boelter and his wife were “preppers,” individuals who take extensive measures to prepare for disasters. Following the shootings that occurred early Saturday morning, which resulted in the deaths of state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and injuries to state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, Boelter sent a text to his family warning them to prepare for potential violence.
The text reportedly advised them to leave their home and suggested that armed individuals might be approaching. Authorities believe the shootings were part of a broader plot by Boelter to target politicians. The affidavit noted that Boelter had instructed his wife to go to her mother’s home in Spring Brook, Wisconsin, approximately 75 miles from Minneapolis, in case of “exigent circumstances.”
Boelter's wife, Jenny, has not been charged with any crime, and there is no indication that she or their children were aware of any assassination plot. Boelter has not yet entered a plea, and his public defender has not commented on the case.
After the shootings, law enforcement officials intercepted Jenny Boelter’s vehicle during a manhunt for Vance Boelter. A search of the car revealed approximately $10,000 in cash, passports, and two firearms. Additionally, it was noted that Boelter had recently ordered a silicone mask online.
On the morning of the shootings, Boelter withdrew $2,200 from his bank account. Authorities have stated that they have found no evidence of accomplices in the case, with Inspector Matt Rabe of the Brooklyn Park police department confirming that the investigation is ongoing.
Both victims were Democrats, and authorities have indicated that Boelter had a list of additional targets, including numerous elected officials and abortion providers. The details of the investigation emerged after the Hoffmans provided their first account of the events surrounding the attack.
The Hoffmans recounted that they had attended a Democratic Party event before returning home, where they were confronted by a man claiming to be a police officer. Upon allowing him inside, they quickly realized he was not who he claimed to be. John Hoffman attempted to confront the gunman, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, while Yvette Hoffman was also shot in the struggle. Their daughter, Hope, managed to secure the door and call 911, alerting authorities to the politically motivated attack.
Vance Boelter is scheduled for a hearing in federal court next Friday, where he may enter a plea. Meanwhile, community members gathered at a local high school to discuss the incident with law enforcement and state leaders, including Governor Tim Walz, who expressed the emotional toll the attacks have taken on the community.
Governor Walz remarked on the collective grief experienced by residents, stating, “This was a grievous wound that Minnesota experienced.”