Fact Check: Suspect Disguised as a Police Officer to Access Lawmakers' Homes
What We Know
On June 10, 2025, Vance Boelter was arrested following a violent incident in Minnesota that resulted in the death of Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, while also seriously injuring Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Authorities reported that Boelter had a "hit list" of 45 elected officials, all of whom were Democrats, and that he had been planning these attacks for months (NPR, BBC).
During the attacks, Boelter was disguised as a police officer. He drove a black SUV equipped with emergency lights and had a license plate that read "police." He was also reported to have worn a tactical vest and a realistic silicone mask (NPR, Reuters). This disguise allowed him to approach the homes of the lawmakers under the pretense of being a law enforcement officer, which he used to gain access to their properties (BBC).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Vance Boelter disguised himself as a police officer to access lawmakers' homes is robust. Multiple credible news sources confirm that Boelter wore police-like attire and drove a vehicle with police markings during the attacks. The FBI and local law enforcement have characterized his actions as part of a targeted attack against public officials, emphasizing the chilling nature of the crime (NPR, BBC).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they include reports from established news organizations such as NPR, BBC, and Reuters, which are known for their journalistic standards and commitment to factual reporting. The consistency across these reports lends further credibility to the claim.
Moreover, the context of the attack, described as an act of "targeted political violence" by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, adds to the seriousness of the situation and underscores the premeditated nature of Boelter's actions (BBC, NPR).
Conclusion
The claim that Vance Boelter disguised himself as a police officer to access lawmakers' homes is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that he used a police disguise and vehicle to approach and attack the lawmakers, indicating a clear intent to commit violence against them.
