Fact Check: Minnesota shooting suspect was a doomsday 'prepper', FBI reveals.

Fact Check: "Minnesota shooting suspect was a doomsday 'prepper', FBI reveals."

What We Know

The suspect in the recent Minnesota shooting, Vance Boelter, has been identified by the FBI as a doomsday "prepper." According to an unsealed affidavit, Boelter sent a text to his wife instructing her to "prepare for war" and to evacuate their home due to the possibility of armed individuals arriving at their location (Washington Post, BBC). The affidavit indicates that Boelter and his family had a "bailout plan" for emergencies, which his wife, Jenny Boelter, shared with authorities after being stopped by police while transporting their children (New York Times, CBS News).

In her vehicle, police discovered a safe containing approximately $10,000 in cash, passports, and two firearms, further supporting the characterization of the Boelters as preppers, who typically prepare for catastrophic events (ABC News).

Analysis

The claim that Vance Boelter was a doomsday prepper is substantiated by multiple sources, including official court documents and statements from the FBI. The affidavit, which was released to the public, provides direct quotes from FBI agent Terry Getsch, confirming that Boelter and his family engaged in preparatory behaviors typical of the prepper community (Washington Post, New York Times).

Moreover, the context of Boelter's actions—sending alarming messages to his wife and planning for a violent confrontation—aligns with behaviors often associated with individuals who identify as preppers. While many preppers focus on survival skills and stockpiling supplies without engaging in violence, Boelter's case appears to intersect with extremist ideologies, as indicated by his alleged targeting of political figures and the violent nature of his actions (BBC, CBS News).

The sources utilized in this analysis are credible, including major news outlets and official court documents, which provide a reliable foundation for the claims made about Boelter's identity as a prepper. The FBI's involvement and the legal context lend further weight to the accuracy of the information presented.

Conclusion

The claim that the Minnesota shooting suspect, Vance Boelter, was a doomsday "prepper" is True. The evidence from the FBI affidavit and corroborating reports from reputable news sources confirm that Boelter engaged in preparatory behaviors typical of individuals in the prepper community, particularly in the context of his violent actions against political figures.