Alleged Ties to Christian Nationalism and Charismatic Extremism in the Minnesota Shooting
The man prosecutors have charged with the assassination of Melissa Hortman, a Democratic Minnesota state representative, and her husband, Mark Hortman, reportedly once described a profound religious awakening at the age of 17. This pivotal moment, occurring while working alongside a deeply religious man at a vegetable canning factory, set him on a path that, over the subsequent four decades, would seemingly intertwine with fringe theological ideas often associated with charismatic Christianity and Christian Nationalism.
The alleged shooter, Vance Boelter, spent years working in various sectors, including the food industry, local government, and private security. Simultaneously, his religious worldview appears to have evolved, incorporating elements from movements that have gained significant traction within the American religious right. Christian Nationalism, a movement that asserts the United States was founded as a Christian nation and should be governed according to Christian principles, has been identified as a key ideological force behind events like the January 6 Capitol riot and reportedly holds considerable influence within certain political circles today.
Understanding Charismatic Christianity and the New Apostolic Reformation
At the heart of the alleged shooter's reported religious background lies charismatic Christianity. This is a broad, diverse movement within evangelical Protestantism characterized by a belief in the ongoing availability of spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues, divine healing, and prophecy, which are seen as manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Unlike traditional Pentecostalism, which often operates within established denominations, independent charismatic Christians frequently function outside traditional structures, seeking to exert influence across all spheres of life, including culture, education, and politics.
A particularly extreme subset of independent charismatic Christianity is the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Described by some scholars as a Christian supremacist network, the NAR is characterized by a belief in the restoration of the biblical offices of apostle and prophet, who are seen as having contemporary authority to lead the church and society. A core tenet of the NAR is dominionism, the belief that Christians are mandated by God to take dominion over earthly institutions and spheres of influence – often referred to as the "Seven Mountains" (religion, family, education, government, media, arts/entertainment, and business). From this perspective, secular institutions are often viewed as corrupted or even demonic, requiring transformation according to Christian law.
Experts suggest that independent charismatic Christianity, particularly the NAR, serves as a significant bedrock for Christian Nationalism. Both movements share a desire for Christian influence over society and government, though the NAR often provides a specific theological framework involving spiritual warfare and apostolic authority to achieve these goals. The alleged shooter's reported background appears to intersect with these movements, providing potential context for his alleged actions.
Alleged Links to Extremist Ideologies
According to experts who have analyzed the alleged shooter's background and statements, there are several clear connections to the world of Christian Nationalism and its more extreme charismatic fringes that could shed light on why he allegedly targeted lawmakers and abortion advocates. Michael Emerson, a fellow in religion and public policy at Rice University, states, “Vance Boelter, from everything I have read and heard, would clearly be a Christian nationalist.” Emerson suggests that Boelter viewed the perspectives and policies of the liberal left as “egregious,” seeing them as “anti-Christian and anti-God” and harmful to the vision of a “truly Christian identity and nation.”
Reporting indicates the 57-year-old alleged shooter was affiliated with at least one evangelical organization, Revoformation Ministries, where he served as president. An archived version of the ministry's website from 2011 includes a biography stating he was ordained in 1993. Tax filings reportedly show he ran the ministry with his wife.
Beyond running the ministry, he reportedly moonlighted as a pastor for Pentecostal congregations and engaged in mission work globally, including trips to Gaza, the West Bank, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he delivered several sermons in recent years.
Analysis of these sermons reveals language consistent with certain extremist viewpoints. In a 2023 sermon in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the alleged shooter reportedly lamented the state of American churches, saying, “Many churches in America didn't listen to Jesus... And the enemy, the devil, comes through and rips everything apart. The churches are so messed up, they don’t know abortion is wrong, many churches.” This statement highlights a common theme in extremist charismatic circles: the belief that mainstream churches have compromised on biblical truth, particularly regarding issues like abortion.
His views on the LGBTQ community were also reportedly expressed in sermons. He stated, “There's people, especially in America, they don't know what sex they are. They don't know their sexual orientation. They're confused … The enemy has gotten so far into their mind and their soul.” This reflects a perspective common in some fundamentalist and charismatic circles that views LGBTQ identity as a result of demonic influence or spiritual confusion, rather than a natural variation of human identity.
The Language of Apostles, Prophets, and Spiritual Warfare
A key indicator linking the alleged shooter to the independent charismatic movement, particularly the NAR, is his use of specific theological language. In one sermon, he reportedly declared, “God is going to raise up apostles and prophets in America.” This language is central to the NAR, which believes God is restoring these biblical offices today to lead a final great revival and prepare the world for Christ's return.
Matthew Taylor, a senior scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies and author of a book on the movement, notes that the alleged shooter's discourse aligns with charismatic practices. “Everything that I've seen indicates that he's charismatic,” Taylor states, citing the focus on the supernatural, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and a preaching style characteristic of Pentecostalism.
Within this framework, abortion is often framed in particularly stark terms. In the independent charismatic Christian movement, it is frequently characterized not merely as a sin or a moral wrong, but as a demonic practice, specifically “child sacrifice to demons.” Taylor suggests that “I don’t think it's hard to see how someone could get radicalized around that language.” This extreme framing elevates the issue from a political or moral debate to a cosmic battle against evil forces, potentially justifying extreme actions in the minds of adherents.
The alleged shooter's now-deleted Facebook profile reportedly included a “like” for the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal organization known for its strong anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ stances. While not necessarily indicative of extremist views on its own, Taylor notes that “This signals at least a right-wing anti-abortion conviction.” Combined with the language used in sermons, it suggests a deep-seated opposition to abortion rooted in religious conviction.
David Carlson, who described the alleged shooter as his best friend since fourth grade, told reporters that Boelter was a staunch Trump supporter and “very conservative,” someone who would be offended by any suggestion otherwise. This political alignment is common among Christian Nationalists and many in the independent charismatic movement, who often view conservative politics and figures like Donald Trump as instruments of God's will for the nation. It is worth noting that in the aftermath of the shooting, some far-right figures, including Elon Musk, promoted conspiracy theories attempting to blame leftists or the “Deep State” for the attack, a common tactic used to deflect blame from right-wing extremism.
The Bible College Connection
A significant potential source for the alleged shooter's theological ideas, according to Taylor, may be his reported time at the Christ for the Nations Institute (CFNI) in Dallas, Texas. A biography on the archived Revoformation website claimed he spent time there. CFNI is a charismatic Bible college that has reportedly been attended by or has ties to several prominent figures within the independent charismatic Christian movement and the NAR.
One such figure is Dutch Sheets, an NAR pastor known for popularizing the “Appeal to Heaven” flag, which became a symbol used by Christian nationalists and participants in the January 6 Capitol riot. Sheets graduated from CFNI in 1978 and served as an adjunct professor there in the late 1980s and early 1990s, returning briefly as an instructor in 2012. Another influential figure, Cindy Jacobs, described as one of America's most influential prophets and an avid Trump supporter, settled in Dallas in the 1980s and reportedly lectured or guest-taught regularly on the CFNI campus.
The alleged shooter was reportedly enrolled at CFNI from 1988 to 1990, a period when he could have potentially overlapped with figures like Sheets and Jacobs. While direct influence is difficult to prove, attendance at an institution frequented by such figures could expose students to the theological concepts and political perspectives prevalent in those circles.
When contacted by WIRED, CFNI issued a statement unequivocally rejecting and condemning violence and extremism, stating they were “aghast and horrified” that an alumnus was a suspect in the shootings. They maintained that violence and extremism are “not who we are. This is not what we teach.” Neither Jacobs nor Sheets responded to requests for comment.
Journalist Jeff Sharlet, in an essay published after the Minnesota shootings, recalled a visit to CFNI where he observed a quote by the school’s founder displayed in the lobby: “Everyone ought to pray at least one violent prayer each day.” While CFNI's statement claimed this slogan was misinterpreted, intended to mean prayer should be “intense, fervent, and passionate, not passive and lukewarm,” the phrase itself highlights the intense, confrontational language sometimes used within charismatic circles, particularly in the context of spiritual warfare.
Spiritual Warfare and the Dehumanization of Opponents
The concept of “spiritual warfare” is central to charismatic Christianity. Adherents believe they are engaged in a cosmic battle against demonic forces that seek to influence individuals and society. While this often manifests in prayer and evangelism, in some extremist interpretations, it can take on a more literal or politically charged meaning.
Independent charismatic Christians, particularly those influenced by dominionist ideas, often see themselves as soldiers in this primordial battle. Demonic forces are believed to exert influence over institutions, cultural trends, and even political leaders. Overcoming these forces requires not only prayer but also actively carrying out God's will in the earthly realm.
Robert Jones, president and founder of the Public Religion Research Institute, explains how this worldview can transform political opposition into something far more sinister. “This binary good versus evil worldview transforms democratic politics into a deadly version of the board game Risk, where geographic territory, institutions, and leaders have come under the sway of Satan,” Jones states. “They are not political opponents or neighbors with whom we disagree; they are literally the instruments of evil.”
This dehumanization of political opponents, viewing them as agents of Satan rather than fellow citizens with differing views, can be a dangerous step towards radicalization. As Emerson puts it, “The logic is straightforward: If Christian nationalism is to be realized, those of different faiths or no faith do not belong. They either must be converted, silenced, or expelled.”
The connection between this worldview and political violence has been highlighted in the context of the January 6 Capitol riot. Taylor notes that “the people who participated in J6 were overwhelmingly in [Christian] charismatics; they would say they were doing God's will” because they believed “God had revealed that Donald Trump was anointed for another term.” This illustrates how a belief in divine mandate and spiritual warfare can be used to justify political actions, including violence, against perceived enemies of God's plan.
The Alleged Attack: A "War" Against Evil?
The alleged shooter's own words following the killings appear to echo the language of spiritual warfare and a perceived cosmic battle. According to a criminal complaint, Boelter texted his family after the attack, writing, “Dad went to war last night … I don’t wanna say more because I don’t wanna implicate anybody.” This statement, if accurately reported, could be interpreted through the lens of the spiritual warfare worldview, suggesting he saw his alleged actions not merely as a crime, but as participation in a larger, divinely sanctioned conflict against perceived evil.
Details emerging from the investigation further underscore the apparent premeditation and targeting involved. The suspect was captured late Sunday. An affidavit filed after the arrest describes how he allegedly disguised himself in a rubber mask, wore a police uniform complete with a badge and taser, and drove a car customized to resemble a local police cruiser. In addition to allegedly shooting and killing Representative Hortman and her husband early Saturday morning, he also allegedly shot state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman. The Hoffmans survived despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
The discovery of a lengthy hit list in the suspect's abandoned car, reportedly containing the names of Democratic lawmakers, abortion providers, and outspoken abortion advocates in the state, strongly suggests that the targets were chosen based on their political positions and perceived alignment with the ideologies the alleged shooter opposed. This aligns with the Christian Nationalist and extremist charismatic view that political opponents, particularly those supporting abortion rights and secular governance, are enemies who must be confronted.
Conclusion: The Intersection of Faith and Extremism
The alleged actions of the Minnesota shooting suspect, Vance Boelter, and the details emerging about his background and reported beliefs highlight a disturbing intersection of religious faith and political extremism. While charismatic Christianity and evangelicalism encompass a vast spectrum of beliefs and practices, the alleged connections in this case point to a fringe where specific theological interpretations, particularly those associated with the New Apostolic Reformation and Christian Nationalism, may contribute to radicalization and the justification of violence against perceived enemies.
Experts emphasize that the suspect's apparent adoption of views framing political opponents as demonic agents and secular democracy as something to be dismantled aligns with the rhetoric found in certain extremist charismatic and Christian Nationalist circles. The concept of spiritual warfare, when combined with a dominionist mandate and the dehumanization of those who hold differing views, creates a fertile ground for the belief that violent action is not only permissible but potentially divinely ordained.
The tragic events in Minnesota serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers when religious ideology is fused with political grievances and extremist interpretations. Understanding the specific theological and political currents that allegedly influenced the suspect's worldview is crucial for comprehending the motivations behind such acts and for addressing the broader challenge posed by religious extremism in the political sphere.
The investigation into Vance Boelter's background and the full scope of his alleged connections to extremist groups and ideologies are ongoing. However, the initial details strongly suggest that his path from a religious awakening at 17 to the alleged targeting of political figures was deeply intertwined with a worldview shaped by the more radical fringes of charismatic Christianity and the growing influence of Christian Nationalism.