Officials Release Information Regarding Detain Of Minnesota Suspect's Wife
Jennifer Boelter, wife of accused Minnesota gunman Vance Boelter, was briefly detained during a traffic stop late Saturday morning in Onamia, Minnesota, amid the unfolding investigation into the politically charged shootings of two Democratic lawmakers and their spouses. The incident continues to raise urgent questions about the nature of the attack and whether others may have had prior knowledge or involvement.
Jennifer was pulled over with her children in the vehicle. Authorities discovered nearly $10,000 in cash, a firearm, ammunition, and passports. Compounding suspicions, Vance Boelter had reportedly sent her a cryptic and alarming message before his capture:
"There's gonna be some people coming to the house armed and trigger-happy, and I don't want you guys around."
Despite the context and contents of her vehicle, it remains unclear whether Jennifer Boelter was placed under formal arrest. Officials have not provided details on why she was released, a decision that is drawing scrutiny given the severity of the events and her proximity to the suspect.
Vance Boelter was apprehended after what authorities described as the largest manhunt in Minnesota history. He stands accused of killing State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and attempting to kill State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. New information suggests Boelter posed as a law enforcement officer in a planned and chilling assault.
Wearing tactical gear, body armor, and a hyper-realistic silicone mask, Boelter reportedly drove a black SUV with emergency lights and a faux “police” license plate. At the Hoffman residence, he banged on the door shouting, “This is the police, open the door!” Once the couple confronted him, realizing he was not law enforcement, he declared, “This is a robbery!” and forced his way in, according to acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson.
Court filings revealed evidence of extensive surveillance: Boelter allegedly kept handwritten notes on his targets, including the location and layout of homes. One entry about Rep. Hortman read:
“Big house off golf course 2 ways in to watch from one spot.”
Authorities say Boelter had scouted four homes the morning of the attack.
Adding another layer of intrigue, both Vance and Jennifer Boelter reportedly ran a security outfit called Praetorian Guard Security Services, though there is no public record of clients or contracts. Prior to that, Vance had worked for the Red Lion Group, a murky organization reportedly active in Africa and the Middle East. Details about its operations remain sparse.
This background, paired with Boelter’s alleged tactical disguise and weapons handling, suggests potential paramilitary experience or training — raising alarm bells about how such individuals may exploit private security credentials.