Vance Boelter, the suspect in the shooting of two Minnesota Democratic lawmakers and their spouses, was appointed by Democrat Governors Mark Dayton and Tim Walz to state workforce boards.

In 2019, Walz personally approved Boelter’s four-year appointment, citing trust in his integrity. However, Boelter last registered as a Republican in 2022. Boelter allegedly killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and shot Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, who survived. President Trump expressed sympathy and condemned the violence. Boelter reportedly impersonated a police officer, using a fake squad car with flashing lights to gain access. Police exchanged gunfire with him before he fled. Authorities found a hit list in Boelter’s vehicle targeting mostly Democrats and abortion-related figures, as well as anti-Trump “No Kings” protest flyers, raising concerns of broader plans. Minnesota Gov. Walz called the shootings a “politically motivated assassination.” Police highlighted Boelter’s exploitation of police trust through impersonation to commit his crimes.