Minnesota Shooting Suspect Allegedly Used Data Broker Sites to Find Targets’ Addresses
1 min read
Summary
Vance Boelter, 57, the man accused of fatally shooting Minnesota representative Melissa Hortman and injuring a state senator and his wife, allegedly used data broker services to obtain the addresses of his intended victims, according to court documents.
Police found notebooks in the suspect vehicle detailing the names of public officials alongside their home addresses, with additional notes on how to find the information.
Democratic representative Hortman’s address was listed on her campaign website, while Senator Hoffman’s address was on his legislative webpage.
The suspect is alleged to have meticulously stalked his victims prior to the attack, with acting US attorney Joseph Thompson stating “he researched his victims and their families…and used the internet and other tools to find their addresses and names”.
This latest incident has raised concerns for those in politics and beyond regarding the amount of sensitive personal data readily available online and the need for increased protection.
