Minnesota Shooting Suspect Told Friend in Text Message He Might Be Dead Soon

The suspect in the deadly shooting of a Minnesota state lawmaker and wounding of another had links to evangelical ministries and said he was a security expert with experience in the Gaza Strip and Africa, according to his online postings and public records.

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MINNEAPOLIS/NEW YORK/WASHINGTON -

A manhunt was under way on June 14 for Vance Luther Boelter, 57, who the police said is a suspect in the killing of Democratic Minnesota state legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the shooting of state Senator John Hoffman and his wife.

The police said the suspect had been seen earlier on June 14 wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, a dark long-sleeved collared shirt or coat with a dark bag.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has offered a reward of up to US$50,000 (S$64,000) for information that could lead to his arrest.

Mr David Carlson, 59, told Reuters that he has been sharing a house in Minneapolis with Boelter for a little more than a year and last saw him on the night of June 13. Then, about 6am on June 14, he received a text from Boelter.

"He said that he might be dead soon," said Mr Carlson, who called the police.

Mr Carlson, who has known Boelter since fourth grade, said Boelter worked for an eye donation center and stayed at the house because it was close to his job. Mr Carlson said he feels betrayed by Boelter and heartbroken for the victims, adding: "His family has got to suffer through this."

Boelter was appointed in 2016 to the Governor's Workforce Development Board, state records show. The board "has a responsibility to advise the Governor on Minnesota's workforce system", according to its website.