Vance Boelter targeted Democrats, leaning politically right, with no Marxist ties as suggested by the evidence.
The June 14 shooting of Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses has inflamed fears of political violence in the United States. The fatal shooting, which has been dubbed as politically motivated, has fuelled online speculation about the gunman’s political beliefs.
Vance Boelter was arrested on June 15 in connection with fatally shooting Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and injuring state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Boelter faces state and federal charges, including second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder and stalking.
As Minnesota and federal law enforcement officers launched their two-day search for Boelter, Senator Mike Lee, without evidence, made numerous X posts about the suspect’s ideology.
“This is what happens (w)hen Marxists don’t get their way,” Lee said of Boelter at about 11am ET on June 15. Posting from his personal account, Lee attached a picture of Boelter from the FBI’s “wanted” poster. The post was pinned on Lee’s X profile, ensuring it would be the first thing account visitors encountered.
