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By Hollie Silverman and Mandy Taheri
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Several Make America Great Again (MAGA) figures, such as Laura Loomer, are criticizing Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over his ties to the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting.
Vance Boelter, identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)as the suspect in the deadly shooting of state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, was appointed to a state board by Walz in 2019. Boelter had also been appointed by the previous governor in 2016, according to documents reviewed by Newsweek.
Newsweek has left a phone message for Walz and also has emailed his press team for comment and confirmation on Saturday during non-working hours.
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Why It Matters
Hortman and her husband, Mark, were pronounced dead Saturday morning after a gunman posing as law enforcement arrived at their home in the early hours and shot them. Walz called the shooting "a politically motivated assassination."
The gunman, who remains at large, had targeted the home of another Democratic lawmaker, state Senator John Hoffman, shortly before the attack on the Hortmans. Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot multiple times and underwent surgery.
He impersonated a police officer during both attacks, wearing official-looking gear including a vest, badge, and equipment. During a press conference on Saturday, Walz expressed his close ties to Hortman, calling her his "good friend and colleague." The suspect's name was not announced at the press briefing.
MAGA has been critical of Walz, particular during his Democratic vice presidential campaign in 2024 when he was chosen as then-Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate. There is no indication that Walz is at all involved in the shootings.
What To Know
Boelter, 57, was appointed by Walz in 2019 to serve on the Governor's Workforce Development Board until 2023, according to documents reviewed by Newsweek.
The appointment document, which is signed by Walz and Secretary of State Steve Simon, and addressed to Boelter, states: "Because of the special trust and confidence I have in your integrity, judgement, and ability, I have appointed and commissioned you to have and to hold the office of Business Member, Governor's Workforce Development Board." It is dated December 9, 2019.
He was previously appointed to a similar role in 2016 under then-Governor Mark Dayton, a Democrat.
The appointment is not for a position in the governor's Cabinet.
The board, made up of leaders from business, education, labor and other sectors, advises the governor on workforce development strategies. A list of the 2020 board members shows over 60 people affiliated.
Boelter registered to vote as a Republican in the early 2000s, state records show, according to CNN.
In a post six years ago on LinkedIn, Boelter encouraged people to vote and wrote, "I think the election is going to have more of an impact on the direction of our country than probably any election we have been apart of, or will be apart of for years to come." However, a state report in 2016 listed Boelter's political affiliation as "none or other," and another report in 2020 listed him as having "no party preference," according to the New York Times. Voters do not declare political affiliation when they register in Minnesota.
Boelter and Sen. Hoffman attended a virtual meeting together in 2022 for a discussion about the job market following the coronavirus pandemic, minutes from the meeting show. Drew Evans, the superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said investigators did not yet know how well the two knew each other, if at all, according to the Times.
Loomer, a conservative personality and supporter of President Donald Trump, acknowledged Boelter's previous appointment by Walz, writing in an X, formerly Twitter, post, "Tim Walz's goons are now assassinating law makers who support legislation Walz opposes."
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It is unclear what legislation her post is in reference to, as Hortman and Hoffman had recently cast opposing votes in the recent HF1 bill, seeking to amend the state's MinnesotaCare coverage eligibility. Hortman voted for the Republican-backed bill, and Hoffman voted against it. The legislation is with the governor's office.
In a later X post, Loomer referenced a comment Walz made during a vice-presidential debate, in which he said, "I'm friends with school shooters." Walz later told reporters he had misspoken.
Loomer, however, called for an investigation into Walz, citing his 2019 appointment of Boelter and Walz's scheduled appearance at a "No Kings" protest, flyers for which were found in the suspect's car, as grounds for suspicion. "How well did he know the shooter?" she asked.
There is no indication that Walz had any knowledge of the shooter's plan. Other MAGA voices shared similar skepticism and criticism as Loomer, with some calling for the governor to resign.
What People Are Saying
Charlie Kirk, a conservative and founder and president of Turning Point USA, wrote in an X post about Walz: "Total shocker that smearing a duly-elected president who won an overwhelming electoral mandate as a fascist or a king leads to violent political radicalization."
Paul A. Szypula, a conservative who has more than 300,000 followers on X, said on Saturday: "Tim Walz has a lot of explaining to do," in a post sharing screenshots of Boelter's work history.
In another post, he called for Walz's resignation.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said in an X post: "Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in our nation. Elected officials must be safe to do their job on behalf of the people. The hate and division that dominate our political discourse must end."
Conservative journalist Nick Sortor wrote in an X post: "Boelter was a TIM WALZ appointee to one of the governor's boards. WHAT A SHOCK – he's connected to TIM WALZ."
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz wrote in a statement posted to X on Saturday afternoon: "Today Minnesota lost a great leader, and I lost a friend. A formidable public servant and a fixture of the state capital, Melissa Hortman woke up every day determined to make our state a better place. She served the people of Minnesota with Grace, compassion, and tirelessness. Minnesota's thoughts are with her loved ones, and my prayers are with Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who were shot and wounded and are being treated."
President Donald Trump in a post on the White House press secretary's X account said: "I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. 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!"
What Happens Next
This remains an active investigation, and thousands of people have been told to shelter in place in the city of Brooklyn Park. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Boelter.
Minnesota State Patrol said they had found "No Kings" flyers in the suspect's car, and the "No Kings" protests across the state have been cancelled.
State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogojevic asked people "out of an abundance of caution" not to attend any of the "No Kings" protests that were scheduled for across the state on Saturday, although she added that no direct evidence showed the protests would be targeted.
Update 6/14/25, 11:10 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and headline change.
Updated 6/14/25, 6:38 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 6/14/25, 5:13 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Correction 6/15/25, 10:02 a.m. ET: This article's headline has been updated with the correct spelling of Walz's last name.
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