Minnesota Shooter Used Data Brokers to Track Victims’ Addresses
▼ Summary
– The suspect, Vance Boelter, allegedly killed a Minnesota state representative and her husband and shot a state senator and his wife, possibly obtaining their addresses from online data brokers.
– Police found notebooks in the suspect’s SUV listing over 45 public officials, including victims’ addresses, and search platforms for personal information.
– The victims’ home addresses were publicly available on their campaign and legislative websites, making them easy targets.
– Privacy advocates argue the U.S. lacks comprehensive data privacy laws, leaving sensitive personal information vulnerable to misuse.
– Experts warn that finding home addresses is trivial, especially for public figures, and call for urgent action to regulate data brokers.
The recent violent attacks targeting Minnesota lawmakers have raised alarming questions about how easily personal information can be accessed online. According to court documents, the suspect in these shootings may have relied on data broker services to track down his victims’ home addresses before carrying out the attacks.
Authorities allege that Vance Boelter, 57, fatally shot Democratic state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, in their home. Earlier that same night, he reportedly wounded state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, at their residence. While the Hoffmans survived, the Hortmans tragically did not.
Investigators found notebooks in the suspect’s vehicle containing handwritten lists of over 45 Minnesota public officials, including Representative Hortman’s home address. The documents also referenced 11 different search platforms commonly used to locate personal details like phone numbers, relatives, and residential information. Shockingly, both lawmakers’ addresses were publicly accessible, Hortman’s on her campaign website and Hoffman’s on his legislative profile.
“Boelter stalked his victims like prey,” said acting U.S. attorney Joseph Thompson, emphasizing that the suspect meticulously researched his targets using online tools. The case has reignited debates about data privacy and the risks posed by unregulated data brokers, which sell sensitive information with little oversight.
Currently, the U.S. lacks comprehensive federal privacy laws, leaving personal data vulnerable to misuse. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon condemned the industry, stating, “Congress doesn’t need any more proof that people are being killed based on data for sale.” Experts note that home addresses are often easily obtainable through public records, voter registrations, or commercial people-search sites.
Cybersecurity researcher Gary Warner pointed out that while longtime homeowners and public figures are particularly exposed, even less visible individuals can be tracked through alternative platforms. Advocacy groups argue that without legislative action, such tragedies will continue.
Evan Greer of Fight for the Future warned, “Lawmakers need to act before they have more blood on their hands.” The incident underscores the urgent need for stronger protections against the misuse of personal data, a threat that extends far beyond political figures to everyday citizens.
(Source: Wired)
