The suspect in the assassination of a Minnesota state representative and her husband reportedly wrote a letter blaming the Gov. Tim Walz (D) for the killings he is accused of committing.
| Published June 21, 2025
In a disturbing twist to a politically charged tragedy, Vance Luther Boelter — the suspect behind the June 2025 assassination of Minnesota political figures — has accused Governor Tim Walz of orchestrating the killings. In a rambling, incoherent letter sent to the FBI, Boelter claimed Walz ordered the murder of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar to clear a path for his own political ambitions. The explosive accusation, which has no basis in verified fact, emerged alongside Boelter’s broader conspiracy-laced writings and a chilling hit list targeting dozens of state leaders. As investigators and state officials work to piece together the truth, the line between delusion and manipulation in this case raises urgent questions about political violence, mental instability, and the weaponization of conspiracy.
🧩 Boelter’s wild letter to the FBI
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Content: Boelter sent a rambling, 1½-page letter to the FBI, alleging he’d received instructions from Governor Walz to assassinate U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar — purportedly so Walz could pursue her Senate seat. The letter also named Sen. Tina Smith and claimed he had covert military training “off the books” .
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Tone: Described as “incoherent,” “confession,” and “conspiratorial”
🔍 Official response and fact-checking
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No evidence: Authorities emphasize the allegation is baseless — no proof Walz directed or coerced Boelter .
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Walz’s office: States vehemently that the claim has “no basis in fact”.
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Independent fact-checks: Highlight that while Walz once reappointed Boelter to a workforce board, the relationship was distant and routine — with no indication Boelter was personally known to the governor.
📌 Broader context of the shootings
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Incident details (June 14, 2025): Boelter, disguised as a police officer, shot Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband (both fatally), then attacked State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife (who survived).
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Manhunt & weapons: A “hit list” of around 70 liberal politicians — including Walz — was recovered along with firearms and extremist materials .
Minnesota shooting suspect Vance Luther Boelter’s letter to FBI makes shocking claims about Tim Walz and Amy Klobuchar.(AP)
Implications
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Erosion of Public Trust
False claims of political assassination orders, even when proven baseless, can damage public confidence in elected officials and democratic institutions. -
Amplification of Conspiracy Theories
Boelter’s letter taps into existing distrust and conspiratorial thinking, potentially reinforcing extremist narratives online and offline. -
Security Threat to Public Officials
The existence of a “hit list” and actual murders show that political leaders, even at the state level, are increasingly vulnerable to ideologically driven violence. -
Mental Health and Radicalization Overlap
Boelter’s incoherent writings suggest a dangerous mix of psychological instability and radical political beliefs — a red flag for potential lone-wolf threats. -
Challenges for Law Enforcement
Investigators must now distinguish between genuine threats and delusional claims, while responding to politically sensitive crimes without appearing partisan. -
Media and Public Responsibility
How this story is framed can either help dispel dangerous myths or inflame tensions. Responsible coverage is essential to avoid unintentionally legitimizing unfounded accusations. -
Polarization and Political Fallout
Even without proof, allegations like these can deepen partisan divides, especially when opponents use them for political gain or deflection.
Overall Takeaway:
The Vance Boelter case is a stark reminder of how unhinged conspiracy theories can escalate into real-world violence — and how easily false accusations can spread in a deeply polarized political environment. His baseless claim that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered assassinations, though widely discredited, illustrates the volatile mix of mental instability, ideological extremism, and public distrust that defines much of today’s political violence. As authorities continue to investigate, the incident highlights the urgent need for vigilance — not only in protecting public officials, but in addressing the social and psychological roots of domestic radicalization.
