Authorities have reportedly identified a suspect wanted in connection with an early-morning shooting that left one Minnesota lawmaker and her husband dead, and a second lawmaker and his wife injured. 

Vance Luther Boelter, 57, is being sought for his alleged connection with the attack, according to authorities. 

During a press conference, officials shared a photo of Boelter wearing a tan cowboy hat at a Minneapolis business shortly after the shootings on Saturday morning. An additional photo released by authorities shows the masked suspect wearing police-like tactical gear and carrying a flashlight. 

Boelter is reportedly the CEO of Red Lion Group, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to his LinkedIn page. He is also listed as the director of Praetorian Guard Security Services, a security firm his wife reportedly filed to create, according to the company’s website. 

MINNESOTA LAWMAKER, SPOUSE, SHOT DEAD IN ‘POLITICALLY MOTIVATED ASSASSINATION’: GOV. WALZ

Authorities have released a photo of Vance Luther Boelter taken Saturday, June 14, 2025, shortly after the shootings. (Minnesota Department of Public Safety)

“I have been doing projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa for the last three years with the Red Lion Group,” Boelter wrote on his LinkedIn page last month, noting that he is currently open to work. 

Boelter possesses an extensive security background, with experience in situations in Africa, North America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East – including the Gaza Strip – according to Praetorian Guard Security Services’ website. He has reportedly received security training by members of the U.S. Military and private firms, with the business’ website showcasing photos of tactical gear and other law enforcement-style uniforms. 

Boelter’s family members and Praetorian Guard Security Services did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

Boelter reportedly earned his PhD in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University and was previously appointed to the state’s Workforce Development Board by two Minnesota governors, according to Fox 9. 

MINNESOTA REP KILLED MADE HEADLINES DAYS EARLIER OVER CONTROVERSIAL IMMIGRATION VOTE

A surveillance photo released by authorities shows a masked suspect wearing police-like tactical gear and carrying a flashlight as officials race to find Vance Boelter, the suspected gunman in the shooting of two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota on Saturday, June 14, 2025.  (Minnesota Department of Public Safety)

A map showing where the two shootings took place in Minnesota. (Fox News)

He was reportedly initially appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton in 2016, before being reappointed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2019 as a private sector representative to the council. He previously served on the same board as Hoffman before his term expired in 2023.

The Minnesota Workforce Development Board did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot in Brooklyn Park early Saturday in what Walz described as “targeted political violence.” 

‘DEFUND THE POLICE’ MECCA OF MINNEAPOLIS OVERRUN WITH VIOLENCE, ‘FAILED LEADERSHIP’: FORMER AG CANDIDATE

This combo from photos provided by Minnesota Legislature shows from left, Senator John A. Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman.  (Minnesota Legislature via AP)

Bullet holes mark the front door of the house of Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife who were shot earlier in the day, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Champlin, Minn.  (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

“We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,” Walz said. “Those responsible for this will be held accountable.”

In a related shooting, DFL Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot in Champlin. They are expected to survive and are out of surgery.

Police were called to the Hoffmans’ home shortly after 2 a.m. Upon finding the couple suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, officers were sent to Hortman’s home as a precautionary measure. When they arrived, authorities encountered an individual dressed as a police officer at the front door of the home and what appeared to be a patrol car parked outside. 

“[The] suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent,” Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said. “That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility.” 

The gunman allegedly escaped through a back door of Hortman’s house following an exchange of gunfire with police, officials said. 

Hortman reportedly died at the scene, while her husband was transported to the hospital and later pronounced dead. 

VIOLENT ATTACKS FROM ANTI-MUSK, ANTI-TRUMP PROTESTERS PLAGUE NATION, COMPEL GOP LAWMAKERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS

Authorities reportedly discovered a pile of “No Kings” protest flyers inside a vehicle believed to be tied to the gunman.  (Minnesota State Patrol/X)

Following the shooting, Boelter reportedly returned to his home, where he rented a room part-time, according to Fox 9. He then texted his two roommates, saying “I love you guys. I’ve made some choices and you guys don’t know anything about this, but I’m going to be gone for a while. I’ll be dead shortly. So I just want to let you know that I love you guys both. And wish it hand’s gone this way. I don’t want to say anything more, and implicate you in any way because you guys don’t know anything about this, but I love you guys and I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused,” the local outlet reported. 

Several AK-style firearms were recovered from the suspect’s vehicle, along with a pile of “No Kings” flyers – a nod to the anti-Trump administration protests sweeping the nation this weekend. Boelter is believed to be armed with a pistol. 

Following the discovery, State Police Col. Christina Bogojevic asked people to not attend any of the protests scheduled throughout the state Saturday. Bogojevic said authorities do not have any evidence that the suspect would be targeting the protests, but added that police had discovered a pile of “No Kings” flyers inside a vehicle believed to be tied to the gunman. 

President Donald Trump said in a White House statement that the FBI would aid in the investigation. 

“Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”

The FBI directed Fox News Digital’s request for comment to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. 

Authorities did not reveal a possible motive for the violence. 

The Burnsville Police Department reminded the public to “stay safe and alert.”

“In light of today’s heartbreaking events involving MN lawmakers, we want to remind you to stay alert & safe. If something doesn’t feel right, call 911. Our dispatchers can verify officer identities in real time. Thank you for helping us keep Burnsville safe. We’re here for you,” the department wrote in a statement on X.

Boelter is described as having a height of 6’1″ and weighing approximately 220 pounds, with authorities warning he is considered to be armed and dangerous. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest. Officials are asking anyone with knowledge regarding his whereabouts to call 877-996-6222. 

This is a breaking news story and will be updated. 

Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price and The Associated Press contributed to the report. 

MILWAUKEE — Illegal tire dumping has become a significant environmental concern in Milwaukee, with hundreds of tires being improperly disposed of across the city.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Milwaukee man speaks out against persistent illegal dumping

Emad Elkhalifa has owned Brother’s Auto for 19 years, and has witnessed firsthand how some customers and businesses choose to dump old tires in incorrect places to save money.

“I’ve been here for 19 years and I know that you can’t just go around and throw tires in a neighborhood,” Elkhalifa said.

According to Elkhalifa, some people take shortcuts when disposing of used tires.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Milwaukee enforces $5,000 fine for illegal dumping, sparking mixed reactions

“Sometimes they put it on the top of the car, the back of the car, and they throw it around the corner,” Elkhalifa said.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is concerned about the environmental risks posed by improper tire disposal.

“Proper tire management has been an issue in Wisconsin for a long time,” said Casey Krausensky, Solid Waste Coordinator for the Wisconsin DNR.

Just last week, Dennis Bowen, who claims to own “Dennis Tire Recycling LLC,” was cited 66 times in one day for allegedly dumping hundreds of tires across Milwaukee over several months; however, no business with that name is registered with the state.

The DNR sent Bowen a notice of noncompliance in March for leaving tires in several locations throughout the city, including dumping thousands in a vacant lot on Teutonia Avenue.

Elkhalifa explains that illegitimate businesses often offer to pick up tires from auto shops for less than established companies charge.

“If you’re telling me, ‘I’m gonna charge you a dollar,’ and the other company charge me $4 — I’m gonna go with you. Cause after 400 tires, it makes a difference,” Elkhalifa said.

Many shops only discover they weren’t working with licensed recycling companies after the deal is completed.

“It happened to me myself, I’ve been a victim of that,” Elkhalifa said.

As of Monday, piles of tires still remain inside the empty Teutonia lot. In an agreement with the lot owner, the DNR has mandated that all tires must be completely removed within the next two years and must be properly covered to protect against fire and other hazards until then.

Meanwhile, Bowen faces thousands of dollars in fines for the illegal dumping.

Elkhalifa believes addressing the issue will require cooperation from the city, consumers, and business owners.

“We have to work together, we have to be responsible,” Elkhalifa said.

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