Newly unearthed video shows Vance Boelter, the subject of a massive FBI manhunt, dancing in a church service as his links to Africa were revealed.
The video, filmed in February 2023, shows Boelter, 57, delivering a passionate testimony about how he met Jesus at the age of 17.
‘I met the Lord when I was 17 years old and I gave my life to Jesus Christ,’ he says in the clip.
He goes on to describe naming his five children after Christian virtues, Grace, Faith, Hope, Joy, and David, in what he calls a testament to God’s blessings on his life.
But Boelter the preacher is now the prime suspect in what authorities have described as a targeted political assassination.
Boelter is accused of posing as a police officer and fatally shooting Democratic Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband inside their Brooklyn Park home early on Saturday.
Hours earlier, Boelter allegedly shot and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home in nearby Champlin. In that case, both victims survived but remain in hospital
The video shows Boelter not only preaching but also describing himself as a man transformed by God. His passionate 25 minute sermon stands in stark contrast to the grim reality of the manhunt now underway.
The footage comes to light as it was revealed Boelter was the CEO of a security company called The Red Lion Group, which is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Newly unearthed video shows Vance Boelter, the subject of a massive FBI manhunt, delivering a passionate testimony about how he met Jesus at the age of 17
The video, filmed in February 2023, shows Boelter, 57, recounting how the Holy Spirit filled him as a teenager
Senator John Hoffman and State Representative Melissa Hortman
The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest, and authorities have described him as armed, dangerous, and potentially targeting more lawmakers.
The footage shows Boelter delivering an emotionally charged sermon to a small congregation.
He can be heard preaching about repentance, God’s plan, and the power of faith as the ultimate equalizer between rich and poor.
At one point, he describes his family as a divine gift and says, ‘God has a plan for each of us… and no one can take you out of it – only you can walk away.’
The message is intensely spiritual while also laced with a level of determination that authorities now fear may have spiraled into extremist belief.
Law enforcement sources say Boelter left behind ‘No Kings’ flyers and written manifestos naming Hortman, Hoffman, and other elected officials.
Though officials have not publicly stated a motive, one source said that Boelter’s writings expressed rage toward pro-choice lawmakers and contained elements of anti-government ideology.
Boelter is a former political appointee who served on Minnesota’s workforce development board – the same one as Senator Hoffman, though it’s unclear how well the two men knew each other.
The footage shows Boelter delivering an emotionally charged sermon to a small congregation
Boelter can be seen enjoying the February 2023 church service
At ones stage the congregation can be seen getting up and awkwardly dancing around
Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was named as the suspect for the death of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and the assassination attempt of Senator John Hoffman
He also ran a private security firm with his wife, Praetorian Guard Security Services, which promoted armed event security and featured imagery of tactical gear and patrol vehicles resembling police cruisers.
Police say Boelter used that look to his advantage. After allegedly shooting the Hoffmans around 2am, officers responded to the second scene at Hortman’s house and found Boelter outside, dressed as a law enforcement officer and standing next to a police-style vehicle.
When they approached, he opened fire and escaped on foot during the exchange.
Inside his vehicle, investigators recovered multiple AK-style rifles. Authorities say he is still believed to be armed with a pistol.
Governor Tim Walz called the killings ‘a politically motivated assassination’ and warned of broader threats against public officials in a nation increasingly beset by political violence.
‘We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,’ Walz said at a press conference earlier in the day as he ordered flags to fly at half-staff in Hortman’s honor.
The former House Speaker, 55, was a central figure in Minnesota politics, known for her support of expanded abortion access and her role in a high-profile standoff with Republicans earlier this year.
Her husband, Mark Hortman, died later at the hospital. Autopsies show both died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Hoffman, 60, remains in critical but stable condition after surgery. Walz said he is ‘cautiously optimistic’ about the senator’s recovery.
Bullet holes mark the front door of the house of Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife who were shot earlier in the day on Saturday in Champlin, Minnesota
Cops have locked down a three-mile area around the shootings amid the search for the gunman, who police say remains at large
Authorities shared an image on social media showing flyers for the ‘NO KINGS’ rallies planned to coincide with Donald Trump’s birthday parade, which they said they found in a vehicle believed to be linked to the shootings
Late on Saturday afternoon, officials released new images of the suspect allegedly wearing a Halloween-style mask during the shootings
Boelter has armed security experience and a history of public service
Boelter is a former appointee of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (center)
The attacks prompted a sweeping security response across the Twin Cities, including the cancellation of several anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ demonstrations that Boelter may have been monitoring.
State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic said the suspect’s car contained flyers from the group and writings that mentioned potential future targets.
Boelter reportedly texted friends just before the shootings, writing cryptically: ‘I’ve made some choices… I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly. I just want to let you know I love you guys and I wish it hadn’t gone this way.’
As the FBI, state police, and local law enforcement fan out in search of him, residents remain shaken by the attacks.
‘This is crazy – someone going after representatives?’ said Douglas Thompson, a Brooklyn Park resident. ‘This is wrong. I’m hoping they’ll catch him.’
