In a shocking development, Vance Boelter, the man accused of murdering Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, attended Christ For The Nations Institute, a Bible college located in southern Dallas, Texas.
The college confirmed that Boelter enrolled there from 1988 to 1990, ultimately earning a degree in Practical Theology in Leadership and Pastoral.
In a press release issued on Monday, school officials expressed their horror at the association with Boelter, emphasizing that such violent acts are completely contrary to the values they instill in their students.
“We are absolutely aghast and horrified that a CFNI alumnus is the suspect,” they stated.
They further affirmed, “This is not who we are. This is not what we teach. This is not what we model. We have been training Christian servant leaders for 55 years, and they have been agents of good, not evil. CFNI unequivocally rejects, denounces, and condemns any and all forms of violence and extremism, be it politically, racially, religiously, or otherwise motivated.”
Authorities arrested Boelter on Sunday night after what has been described as the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history.
He now faces two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder in connection with the shootings of Hortman and Senator John Hoffman, who was also shot alongside his wife, Yvette.
His bail has been set at $5 million for state charges, while he is being held without bail for additional federal charges related to murder and stalking.
According to prosecutors, Boelter was allegedly targeting other legislators during the events that unfolded. Investigators uncovered a chilling cache of weapons, including at least three AK-47 assault rifles and a 9mm handgun.
They also discovered a list of names and addresses of other public officials among Boelter’s possessions, highlighting his troubling intentions.
The investigation revealed additional incriminating items, including a ballistic vest, a disassembled 9mm firearm, a mask, and a police-style badge, all linked to his actions on the night of the attacks.
Writings found in the fake police vehicle used during the incidents listed targets, primarily consisting of Democrats and advocates for abortion rights.
Friends of Boelter described him as someone with strong religious beliefs and conservative views, further complicating the narrative surrounding this tragic series of events.
The Associated Press reported that Boelter also holds advanced degrees, having obtained a master’s and doctorate in leadership studies from Cardinal Stritch University, a now-defunct Catholic institution in Wisconsin.
As the investigation into Boelter’s background continues, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken a proactive stance on public safety in the wake of the Minnesota incidents.
While in Denton on Monday signing several pieces of legislation, Governor Abbott addressed the need for heightened vigilance against threats faced by public officials.
He pledged that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is on heightened alert to prevent similar incidents, stating, “We need to make sure what happened in Minnesota doesn’t happen in the State of Texas.”
On Saturday, the State Capitol grounds in Austin were temporarily evacuated due to police receiving tips about a man potentially attempting to harm lawmakers. This individual was apprehended near La Grange before making it to the Capitol.
Governor Abbott asserted, “DPS will work to ensure that members of the legislature and, candidly, anyone in the public will be free from some deranged attack like that.”
In response to the recent violence, more than 40 Democratic state lawmakers reached out to Abbott, urging the DPS to be vigilant regarding potential threats.
Among the affected lawmakers, U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro from Texas revealed on social media that they were named on a hit list compiled by Boelter, heightening concerns about targeted violence.
State Senator Royce West, the only Democrat at Abbott’s event in Denton, reminded the public of the pervasive vitriol in current political discourse, urging vigilance in safeguarding against potential copycat incidents.
He stated, “Given the vitriol going on in this country that comes from the top–we have to make sure there are no copycats. We have to be on guard more so now than we have in the past.”
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