Fact Check: Minnesota shooter was a doomsday 'prepper', FBI reveals

Fact Check: "Minnesota shooter was a doomsday 'prepper', FBI reveals"

What We Know

The claim that the Minnesota shooter, Vance Boelter, was a doomsday "prepper" is supported by multiple sources, including an FBI affidavit. According to the BBC, Boelter was charged with the fatal shootings of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. The FBI's investigation revealed that Boelter and his family identified as "preppers," a term used to describe individuals who prepare for catastrophic events by stockpiling supplies and developing survival skills. His wife, Jenny Boelter, informed investigators that her husband had warned her to "prepare for war" and had given her a "bailout plan" for emergencies (Washington Post).

The FBI affidavit also noted that Boelter had sent a message to his family group chat instructing them to prepare for potential violence, indicating a premeditated mindset (New York Times). Furthermore, evidence suggested that he had been planning the attacks for several days, collecting information about potential targets, which included political figures (USA Today).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible sources, including law enforcement and major news outlets. The FBI's characterization of Boelter as a "prepper" is based on direct statements from his wife and the contents of the affidavit, which detail his preparations and mindset leading up to the violent acts. The reliability of the sources is high, as they include official statements and documents from the FBI, as well as reporting from established news organizations like the BBC, Washington Post, and New York Times.

However, it is important to note that the term "prepper" can encompass a wide range of beliefs and practices. While many preppers focus on self-sufficiency and disaster preparedness, the violent actions of Boelter diverge significantly from the more common, non-violent aspects of prepping culture. This distinction is crucial for understanding the broader implications of the claim and the potential for misinterpretation of the prepper community as a whole.

Conclusion

The claim that the Minnesota shooter was a doomsday "prepper" is True. The evidence from the FBI and corroborating news reports clearly indicates that Vance Boelter and his family identified as preppers, and he had made specific preparations for violent actions against political figures. The characterization is supported by credible sources and documented evidence of his intentions and actions.