The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has released new images of a masked man with a flashlight as part of their search for Vance Boelter – who has been placed on the ‘Most Wanted’ list
The FBI has shared new photos of a masked figure with a torch in connection with their hunt for Vance Boelter, the prime suspect in the attacks on Democratic Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as Democratic Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her spouse were shot and killed early Saturday in their Brooklyn Park home. A second state politician, Senator John Hoffman and his wife, were shot multiple times in Champlin. Both shootings were described as «targeted political violence» by Minnesota governor Tim Walz.
Hours after the shootings, hundreds of police and sheriff deputies from departments in the region, some in tactical gear with assault style weapons were scattered through the town. Occasional police roadblocks where cars are stopped and checked.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said writings found inside a fake police car recovered at one of the shooting scenes mentioned the names of multiple politicians – including both Hortman and Hoffman – and other officials. «When we did a search of the vehicle, there was a manifesto that identified many lawmakers and other officials. We immediately made alerts to the state. We took action on alerting them and providing security where necessary,» said Mr Bruley.
The new pictures display an individual wearing what seems to be a rubber or silicone disguise resembling a white man, outfitted in gear similar to that worn by police officers. The guise featured in the photos divulged by the FBI also bears a resemblance to a mask sported by Ryan Gosling in the highly-praised 2011 motion picture «Drive.»
In the film, Gosling’s persona comes across the latex mask inside a movie set caravan, subsequently wears it as he ventures into a civilian shopping outlet and commits violence upon those within, as suggested by the movie.
These photos were disseminated as part of an appeal to trace Boelter, aged 57, who now finds his name on the FBI’s «Most Wanted» register, reports the Mirror US.
Up to $50,000 is being offered by the FBI as a bounty for intelligence leading to Boelter’s capture and successful prosecution.
A directive to stay indoors was enacted for Minneapolis inhabitants Saturday following reported shootings at the residences of two Democratic politicians. Reports indicated that the assailant was masquerading as a bobby, who this week faced reproval from politicians and the people alike for concealing their visages with masks during the anti-ICE demonstrations nationwide.
As reported by the Associated Press, Boelter was appointed by Minnesota Governor and Kamala Harris’s former 2024 campaign running mate, Tim Walz, to serve on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board in 2019.
He is also said to be the CEO of Red Lion Group, a company based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to his LinkedIn profile.
