Fact Check: Was Suspected Assassin Vance Boelter Close to MN Gov…

Questions have arisen about Vance Boelter’s connections to Governor Tim Walz after the shooting of Melissa Hortman. Although Boelter was appointed to a workforce board by Walz, the governor’s office denies personal ties. Speculation surrounding political motivations has been debunked, with friends describing him as a Trump supporter rather than politically aligned with the DFL. Amidst misinformation, it’s crucial to focus on the facts.

In the wake of the tragic shooting incident involving Minnesota House DFL leader Melissa Hortman, numerous questions and misinformation have surfaced regarding the alleged assailant, Vance Boelter, and his purported connections to Governor Tim Walz. One significant inquiry people are raising is whether Boelter had any close relationship with Walz.

Boelter was indeed reappointed to a state workforce development advisory board by Governor Walz back in 2019. However, some social media chatter suggests that the two had longstanding ties, with a right-wing influencer even dubbing Boelter a “left-wing Tim Walz appointee.” But an official from Walz’s office clarified that Walz had no personal acquaintance with Boelter and pointed out that these board appointments do not equate to a role in the governor’s cabinet. The initial appointment was made by then-Gov. Mark Dayton in 2016.

Friend and roommate David Carlson disclosed that Boelter had voted for Donald Trump and appeared to be a fervent supporter of the former president, although he was not actively discussing politics lately. Interestingly, data from the Minnesota DFL Party revealed Boelter did participate in the last year’s presidential primary, albeit as a non-Democrat, while the Republican Party of Minnesota chose not to disclose further voting information about him.

The Minnesota workforce board, which has around 60 members, doesn’t comprise individuals closely tied to the governor or political elite. Its function primarily revolves around advising the governor and the state legislature on various policies. Steve Kalina, a board member since 2019, emphasised the diversity of perspectives represented on the board, stating that appointment to these roles is more about industry representation rather than any political alignment with Walz.

Over the weekend, Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans noted that there existed some overlap in public meetings attended by both Boelter and Hortman, yet authorities don’t have clarity on their relationship. Kalina condemned attempts on social media to undermine the governor amidst this tragedy, describing it as a “shameless attack on Walz at a time for mourning,” further asserting that Boelter’s association with the board doesn’t denote close ties to the administration.

Rumours of Boelter’s wife, Jenny, having interned for Walz were also debunked; an official representative confirmed she is not the person who interned in the governor’s office.

Moreover, speculation has emerged that Boelter’s motives lay in a reaction to newly enacted legislation that stripped healthcare from undocumented immigrants. While this has gained traction on social media, alongside postings from figures like Elon Musk and Laura Loomer suggesting a politically motivated crime, solid evidence substantiating such claims remains elusive. In fact, Walz and Hortman, amid political ties, had recently collaborated on a deal that included removing health coverage for undocumented adults.

Beyond that, it is crucial to highlight that higher tensions surrounding political ideologies do not correlate directly with Boelter’s actions, who tragically shot not only Hortman but also injured her partner. The authorities did identify a manifesto in Boelter’s vehicle referencing prominent pro-choice figures, a stark contradiction to Carlson’s claims that Boelter was passionately anti-abortion – a viewpoint he held since the ’90s.

As for claims regarding Vance Boelter’s spouse’s employment, a popular AI bot suggested that his wife worked for CentraCare, only for it to be clarified that the physician Jennifer Boelter from CentraCare is married to someone else entirely. The confusion persists, but the facts remain paramount as the community processes this shocking violence.

This unfolding narrative exemplifies the intersection of personal and political amidst a devastating event, urging the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and to seek clarity, even when emotions run high.

In summary, while Vance Boelter was appointed to a workforce advisory board by Governor Walz, there is no substantial evidence linking him closely to the governor or implying political motivations behind his actions. The community remains in a state of mourning while navigating through rampant speculation and misinformation about the incident and Boelter’s ties to various political figures. As officials continue their investigations, the surrounding narrative highlights the importance of ensuring accurate information is shared during such painful times.

Original Source: www.startribune.com