Vance Boelter was a 57-year-old man from Minnesota known for his complex life story involving strong Christian evangelical faith, an unsettled career path, and recent notoriety due to a violent incident in 2025. Born and raised in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, Boelter was once a sociable young man with promise, trying out for his college baseball team. However, during his early college years at St. Cloud University in the mid-1980s, he underwent a striking personal transformation toward religious zealotry, renouncing worldly pursuits and dedicating himself to his Christian faith.
Boelter attended the Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas, graduating from its two-year program in 1990. This school is known for its charismatic Christian theological education and ministry preparation.
Professionally, Boelter’s career was unsettled and involved frequent moves between states and jobs. His work ranged from managing food-service operations to handling body retrievals for funeral homes. He and his wife homeschooled their five children. Later in life, Boelter became involved with far-right political views supported by conspiracy theories, increasingly isolating from his community.
In June 2025, Boelter shocked the nation by allegedly carrying out politically motivated shootings targeting Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota. He disguised himself as a police officer and modified his vehicle to look like a police cruiser. The attack resulted in the death of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, with injuries to State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Authorities conducted an extensive manhunt, culminating in Boelter’s surrender.
While Boelter’s religious and political beliefs were well-known, people close to him described a man who was not inherently hateful but troubled and radicalized over time. His story reveals a clash between spiritual convictions, political extremism, and personal struggles.
| Key Details | Information |
| Birthplace | Sleepy Eye, Minnesota |
| Religious Background | Evangelical Christian, attended Christ for the Nations Institute, Dallas (Graduated 1990) |
| Family | Married with five children, homeschooled by his wife |
| Employment | Varied roles including food-service management, body retrieval, and small business ventures |
| Political Views | Far-right beliefs influenced by conspiracy theories |
| Notoriety | Suspect in 2025 shootings of Minnesota Democratic lawmakers |
| Incident | Impersonated police, attacked legislative homes, resulting in two deaths and multiple injuries |
| Capture | Apprehended after over 36 hours of manhunt, surrendered peacefully |
| Current Status | Charged with multiple counts including murder and attempted murder |
Latest news about Vance Boelter
The latest news about Vance Boelter as of September 2025 includes that his wife, Jenny Lynne Boelter, has filed for divorce following the deadly politically motivated shootings in Minnesota for which Vance is charged. The divorce petition was filed in Sibley County, but details remain confidential as the court has sealed all documents.
Jenny Boelter publicly condemned her husband’s actions, describing them as a betrayal of their Christian faith and expressing shock and heartbreak over the tragedy. The couple had five children, and Jenny and some children left their home hours after the shootings.
Vance Boelter faces federal and state charges, including murder and attempted murder related to the deaths of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as the shootings of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. He was involved in an extensive manhunt, captured after more than 40 hours, and remains in custody.
Authorities found more than 50 firearms and ammunition at the family home. Boelter could face the death penalty if convicted on federal charges. No hearings have been scheduled yet in Jenny Boelter’s divorce case.
This development marks a significant personal and legal fallout in the ongoing case against Vance Boelter following one of the largest manhunts in Minnesota history.
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