Former Pastor and Walz Appointee Arrested in Minnesota Shooting of Lawmaker
In a shocking incident that raises new concerns about the judgment of Minnesota’s leadership, 40-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, a former pastor and appointee of Democrat Governor Tim Walz, has been arrested in connection with a shooting that wounded state Rep. Leigh Finke’s vehicle last week in St. Paul.
Boelter, whose background includes pastoral ministry and state government work, is now at the center of a high-profile criminal investigation that has drawn widespread criticism from Minnesota’s conservative and faith-based communities.
The shooting occurred on June 6, when a vehicle registered to Rep. Finke was struck by gunfire around 3 a.m. outside her residence. Authorities have not confirmed whether the legislator herself was the intended target, but the timing and proximity of the attack have elevated public concerns about political violence.
Boelter is facing charges of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and illegal possession of a firearm, according to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.
Boelter’s arrest is particularly troubling in light of his previous roles. Once a pastor, Boelter also served as a member of the state’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee, having been appointed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2021. His appointment was touted at the time as part of the administration’s broader push for “equity” and “restorative justice” in the criminal justice system.
Critics argue that Boelter’s inclusion in such a position reflects the administration’s misplaced priorities and vetting failures.
“Here we have a man who once claimed moral authority in the pulpit and was later entrusted with influence over state juvenile justice policy — now accused of pulling a trigger on our streets,” one Twin Cities pastor, who asked to remain anonymous. “This is what happens when our leaders prioritize ideology over discernment, the pastor added”.
The case has also reignited concerns among conservatives about the disconnect between rhetoric and reality in progressive politics. Boelter has a documented history of mental health struggles, including a recent hospitalization, yet still remained active in public life. He was reportedly terminated from his job at the Department of Human Services earlier this year, but that did not prevent him from continuing to attend legislative hearings and remain involved in political discussions.
According to court records, Boelter had attempted to purchase a firearm in early 2024 but was denied due to his prior commitment to a mental health facility — a disqualifier under federal law. Investigators now believe the firearm used in the shooting was obtained illegally, raising further questions about the state’s ability to enforce existing gun laws.
While Minnesota’s Democrat leaders have often advocated for tighter gun control laws, many conservatives are pointing to this case as evidence that the state’s current enforcement mechanisms are inconsistent at best — and dangerously ineffective at worst.
“Governor Walz and his allies constantly push for new laws instead of enforcing the ones we already have,” said Minnesota GOP Chair David Hann in a public statement. “This is another tragic result of failed leadership and politicized law enforcement.”
Rep. Finke, a controversial figure in Minnesota politics and the state’s first openly transgender lawmaker, stated that she was unharmed and expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support she received. She also reaffirmed her commitment to continuing her work despite the incident.
“I’m deeply shaken but not silenced,” she wrote on social media, while not directly addressing the suspect’s prior relationship with the Walz administration.
The media response to Boelter’s arrest has been notably muted in some quarters. While conservative outlets and Christian news sources have provided detailed coverage, several mainstream networks have downplayed the connection between the suspect and the governor’s office. Critics say this is yet another example of media bias protecting left-leaning figures from scrutiny.
Faith-based communities in Minnesota are now calling for greater accountability and discernment in public appointments. “This is a wake-up call,” said Rev. Thomas Ellison, a Baptist pastor in Rochester. “It’s not enough to have credentials or say the right things. Leaders must demonstrate integrity, stability, and sound judgment. Anything less risks both public safety and moral credibility.”
Boelter is currently being held on $500,000 bail and is expected to appear in court later this month. Prosecutors have indicated they may seek additional charges as the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, conservatives across Minnesota are urging lawmakers to re-evaluate the governor’s vetting procedures for appointees and to implement safeguards that ensure only those with both moral clarity and mental fitness hold positions of influence.
“This isn’t just about one man’s failure,” said a statement from the Minnesota Family Council. “It’s about a system that elevates ideology over integrity. We owe our communities better.”
With the state still reeling from past failures in public safety — from the George Floyd riots to the rise in carjackings and random violence — this latest episode is another grim reminder that leadership has consequences. And when leaders elevate the wrong voices, the damage can be felt far beyond the chambers of state government.
As the investigation into Boelter’s actions unfolds, Minnesota conservatives remain firm in their call for transparent leadership, moral courage, and policies rooted in justice — not political expediency.