A haunting message from Vance Luther Boelter to his childhood friend David Carlson just hours after a politically motivated shooting spree has intensified the search for the suspect in Minnesota. Boelter’s brief text read, “I’ll be dead shortly… I love you guys,” before abruptly disappearing from his friend’s life.
Carlson, who has known Boelter since fourth grade and shared living space with him, was shocked by the tragedy. He revealed that Boelter expressed regret and sentiment in the message, saying he didn’t want to “implicate” his friends in what had transpired. Alarmed by the ominous tone, Carlson contacted authorities immediately.
Boelter, 57, is a prime suspect in early Saturday’s fatal shooting of former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in Brooklyn Park, as well as the critical wounding of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in Champlin. He allegedly posed as law enforcement, arriving in a vehicle equipped with flashing lights, and targeting his victims in what police believe was a politically motivated rampage.
Authorities have found a notebook listing nearly 70 political figures in Boelter’s vehicle and retrieved weapons, police-style gear, and anti-abortion material. Classified as armed and dangerous, he remains at large. A wide-ranging manhunt, involving state and federal agencies, has been launched. A $50,000 FBI reward is now offered for information leading to his arrest.