Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
June 14, 2025
For Immediate Release
I am horrified and deeply saddened to learn of the targeted attacks on Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and State Representative Melissa Hortman, along with their spouses, in Champlin and Brooklyn Park. The tragic recovery of multiple bodies, as confirmed through credible sources, underscores the severity of this heinous act. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and our entire community as we grapple with this senseless violence.
These attacks on elected officials are an assault on our democracy itself. While investigations are ongoing, the targeted nature of these shootings raises serious concerns about potential connections to the lawmakers’ courageous stances, including their support for repealing policies that diverted millions of taxpayer dollars to provide free healthcare for undocumented immigrants. Such decisions, though controversial, reflect their commitment to prioritizing Minnesota’s citizens—a principle that should never provoke violence.
I strongly condemn these acts and call for swift justice for those responsible. Furthermore, I hold Governor Tim Walz accountable for fostering a divisive and volatile environment that has emboldened such violence. His leadership has failed to unite Minnesotans, instead setting the stage for this tragic escalation. We deserve a governor who promotes safety, civility, and respect for all, regardless of political differences.
As a candidate for Governor in 2026, I pledge to work tirelessly to restore unity, ensure the safety of our public servants, and uphold the values that make Minnesota strong. I urge all Minnesotans to come together in prayer and solidarity during this dark time, and I call on law enforcement to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
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Update:
Vance Luther Boelter: Former State Appointee Linked to Targeted Shootings of Minnesota Lawmakers
Statement from Phillip C. Parrish Regarding Suspect in Minnesota Lawmaker Shootings
Issued on June 14, 2025, at 12:22 PM CDT
I am deeply troubled by reports identifying Vance Luther Boelter as the suspect in today’s targeted shootings of state lawmakers in Brooklyn Park and Champlin. According to credible sources, including journalist Julio Rosas, Boelter is allegedly the same individual appointed to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board in 2019 by Governor Tim Walz and to the Governor’s Workforce Development Council in 2016 by then-Governor Mark Dayton. While official confirmation of his identity remains pending, this potential connection warrants serious concern.
If true, Boelter’s prior roles as a state appointee raise critical questions about the oversight of individuals entrusted with public responsibilities. The discovery of “No Kings” flyers and a manifesto targeting multiple lawmakers in his vehicle suggests a level of ideological extremism that should have been identified and addressed. This incident highlights a possible failure in the vetting process and a lack of accountability within Minnesota’s government, particularly under the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party’s leadership.
The presence of such materials indicates that this may not have been an isolated act, but part of a broader pattern of unrest. I urge Governor Walz to provide full transparency regarding any prior knowledge or concerns about Boelter’s behavior during his tenure and to ensure a thorough investigation into how this situation was allowed to escalate. Minnesotans deserve answers and a government that prioritizes public safety above all.
Phillip C Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
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