Fact Check: Suspect warned wife to flee, claiming 'prepare for war'

Fact Check: "Suspect warned wife to flee, claiming 'prepare for war'"

What We Know

The claim that a suspect warned his wife to flee, stating "prepare for war," stems from reports regarding Vance Boelter, a suspect in a series of violent incidents in Minnesota. According to multiple sources, Boelter texted his wife and children shortly after the attacks, indicating they should "prepare for war" (The New York Times, 2025). This phrase was interpreted as a warning related to his actions and state of mind during the events that unfolded.

Analysis

The context of Boelter's message is critical to understanding the claim. Reports confirm that Boelter sent these texts in a moment of crisis, suggesting a heightened state of alarm or paranoia on his part (The Guardian, 2025). However, the phrase "prepare for war" does not necessarily imply a literal call to arms or a direct threat to his family; it could reflect his mental state or a metaphorical expression of his situation.

The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident is generally high, as they are established news organizations with a track record of fact-checking and journalistic integrity. The New York Times and The Guardian are reputable outlets that provide detailed coverage of significant events, including criminal cases. However, it is essential to note that sensational language can sometimes be used in headlines or summaries, which may lead to misinterpretations of the actual content.

Furthermore, while the phrase was indeed used by Boelter, the interpretation of it as a direct warning to flee may not fully capture the nuances of the situation. The phrase could be seen as an expression of his mindset rather than a concrete directive.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the suspect warned his wife to flee with the specific phrase "prepare for war" is misleading. While he did send a message indicating they should prepare for war, the context and intent behind this message are not clearly defined as a direct warning to flee. The phrase reflects his psychological state rather than a literal command for his family to take immediate action. Therefore, the claim lacks sufficient clarity and context to be deemed true.