Fact Check: "The alleged shooter Vance Boelter was reported to be a religious conservative who attended rallies in support of President Donald Trump, contradicting claims that he was a Marxist."
What We Know
Vance Boelter, the suspect in the shooting of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, has been described by friends and acquaintances as having "deeply religious and politically conservative views" (AP News). Reports indicate that Boelter attended evangelical church services and participated in campaign rallies for former President Donald Trump (AP News). He registered as a Republican voter in Oklahoma in 2004, and friends noted that while he held conservative beliefs, he did not often discuss politics and was not perceived as extreme (AP News).
Additionally, during a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023, Boelter expressed concerns about the state of churches in the U.S., particularly regarding their stance on abortion, indicating a conservative viewpoint (AP News). This aligns with his reported attendance at pro-Trump rallies, reinforcing the characterization of him as a religious conservative.
In contrast, some narratives have emerged labeling Boelter as a Marxist, particularly in the wake of the shootings. For instance, Republican Senator Mike Lee referred to him as a "Marxist" in a statement that has been widely criticized as misleading (Yahoo News).
Analysis
The evidence strongly supports the claim that Vance Boelter was a religious conservative with ties to pro-Trump activities. The sources detailing his background, including his church involvement and political affiliations, are credible and well-documented. The Associated Press, a reputable news organization, provided detailed accounts from friends and law enforcement, which lend weight to the characterization of Boelter as conservative (AP News).
Conversely, the assertion that Boelter was a Marxist appears to stem from politically motivated rhetoric rather than substantiated evidence. Senator Mike Lee's comments seem to reflect a broader strategy to frame the narrative around the shootings in a way that aligns with partisan views, rather than presenting an accurate portrayal of Boelter's beliefs (Yahoo News). This highlights a potential bias in the framing of the incident, as it seeks to associate the shooter with ideologies that are not supported by the available evidence.
Overall, the sources that describe Boelter's beliefs and actions are consistent and corroborated by multiple accounts, while the claims labeling him as a Marxist lack credible support.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Vance Boelter was a religious conservative who attended rallies in support of President Donald Trump is substantiated by credible sources. His background, as reported by friends and law enforcement, aligns with this characterization, while the opposing claim of him being a Marxist is unfounded and politically motivated.
