- A 57-year-old man who has been named as a suspect within the taking pictures of two Minnesota lawmakers labored at a private-security firm that claims he has been concerned in “security situations” world wide, together with within the Center East, Europe and Africa. The suspect stays at giant, and a manhunt is underway throughout the Minneapolis space.
The suspect within the taking pictures of two Minnesota lawmakers on Saturday labored at a private-security firm that claims he has expertise world wide.
State Rep. Melissa Hortman, 55 years outdated, and her husband have been shot and killed of their Brooklyn Park dwelling. Elsewhere in Champlin, state Sen. John Hoffman, 60, and his spouse have been additionally shot at dwelling and are recovering after present process surgical procedure. Gov. Tim Walz described the taking pictures as “an act of targeted political violence.”
State authorities stated they’re searching for 57-year-old Vance Boelter, who stays at giant with a manhunt underway throughout the Minneapolis space.
Based on the web site for his firm Praetorian Guard Safety Providers, Boelter is listed as director of safety patrols, whereas his spouse is listed as president and CEO.
“Dr. Vance Boelter has been involved with security situations in Eastern Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East, including the West Bank, Southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip,” the location says. “He brings a great security aspect forged by both many on the ground experiences combined with training by both private security firms and by people in the U.S. Military.”
One other member of Praetorian’s management crew features a safety coaching supervisor who’s described as a retired undercover officer.
The corporate didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Legislation enforcement officers stated a darkish SUV with police lights was parked at Hortman’s dwelling once they responded to the taking pictures, including {that a} man dressed like a police officer was inside and opened fireplace on Brooklyn Park law enforcement officials earlier than fleeing.
Praetorian’s web site additionally says Boelter has labored for “the world’s largest food company based in Switzerland and the world’s largest convenience retailer based in Japan.”
That seems to align with a LinkedIn profile with Boelter’s identify and picture that features prior jobs as a supervisor at Nestle and a 7-Eleven basic supervisor.
It doesn’t point out Praetorian Guard or any prior navy expertise, however lists his present job as CEO of Purple Lion Group within the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Minnesota Star Tribune cited an on-line video from two years in the past that seems to indicate Boelter preaching in Congo and telling a congregation, “I met Jesus when I was 17 years old and I gave my life to him.”
The LinkedIn web page additionally says Boelter has a doctorate in management and a grasp of science in administration from Cardinal Stritch College. It says he has a bachelor’s diploma in worldwide relations from St. Cloud State College.
This story was initially featured on Fortune.com
