Fact Check: Suspect Disguised as Police Officer to Access Lawmakers' Homes
What We Know
On June 10, 2025, Vance Boelter was arrested following a violent attack that resulted in the death of Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and serious injuries to another lawmaker, John Hoffman, and his wife. Authorities reported that Boelter had a "hit list" of 45 elected officials, all of whom were Democrats, and that he had been stalking his victims for months (NPR, NBC News).
Boelter disguised himself as a police officer, wearing a tactical vest and a realistic silicone mask, to gain access to the homes of his targets. He drove a black SUV equipped with emergency lights and a license plate that read "police" (NPR, BBC). During the attacks, he knocked on the front doors of the lawmakers' homes in the middle of the night, indicating a premeditated plan to carry out these violent acts (NBC News).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Boelter disguised himself as a police officer is robust. Multiple credible sources, including NPR and NBC News, confirm that he wore police-like attire and used a vehicle that resembled a police car to approach his victims (NPR, NBC News). The use of a disguise indicates a calculated effort to mislead and intimidate the lawmakers, which aligns with the definition of impersonating a police officer for malicious purposes.
The sources reporting on this incident are reputable news organizations, including NPR, BBC, and NBC News, all of which have a history of reliable reporting. The information presented has been corroborated by law enforcement statements and court documents, adding to the credibility of the claims made.
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-like disguise and vehicle to approach his targets, demonstrating a premeditated intent to commit violent acts against elected officials.
Sources
- The suspect in the shooting of 2 Minnesota lawmakers had ... NPR
- Minnesota shootings suspect was a 'prepper', FBI says BBC
- Suspect in Minnesota lawmaker killing visited other ... Reuters
- What We Know About the Minnesota Shooting Suspect New York Times
- 'Stuff of nightmares': Prosecutor reveals chilling details ... NBC News
