Hank Van Holden (Raider: Last Blood)

== Hank Van Holden ==
State Governor Hank Van Holden (also known as Governor Van Holden) is a supporting character and a major antagonist of the "Raider: Last Blood" series.
Serving as the tertiary antagonist in the 7th chapter, Van Holden is a Georgia State Governor who funded his campaign ruthlessly by hiring an army of mercenaries before a man ruined his plans.
== Background ==
Born on March 7, 1986, in Los Angeles, California (later on moved to Hollywood), Hank grew up in a family of politicians and he was groomed to become a politician after they moved to Georgia during his childhood.
Thanks to his family, he became Mayor of Johnstontown before working his way up to the position of lieutenant governor. However, he met a CIA contact and some mercenaries, Hank had the governor killed with their help and set it up as a disappearance and took the position.
For 30+ years, Hank has managed to stay in office, and in return, he covered up their illegal businesses by bribing law enforcement and city officials and launched a campaign upon vocalizing his policy on gun rights with their funding to become a Senator.
== Biography ==
Van Holden is first seen as he stayed at the hotel suite in the Royal Marlowe Hotel where he was going to organize a fundraising gala to benefit the victims of the increasing gun violence in the country and increase his ratings. However, he was concerned that he would become a target for any would-be assassin, so Van Holden contacted Cerberus to provide security for the event. Van Holden met with Richard Milton and told him about the event he had planned, as Milton commented that Van Holden set himself up as the personal enemy of every pro-gun supporter in the country.
Van Holden then questioned Milton's views on them, to which Milton explained that he would kill any assassin without hesitation. Van Holden questioned if such violence only caused more violence, to which Milton noted that he made his professional living out of violence, recommending that Van Holden view Cerberus' presence as life insurance.
Van Holden told Milton that he was a key spokesman in the anti-gun debate which would make him hiring armed security problematic, to which Milton questioned if his principles were worth dying for. Impressed by Milton's sales pitch, Van Holden agreed to hire him and Cerberus while Milton promised to begin work right away, leaving Franklin and Michaelson to stand guard over Van Holden. When Milton had joked about killing the assassin in the most humane way possible, Van Holden laughed before shaking his hand.
With all Cerberus agents in positions, Van Holden spoke with Milton about his upcoming interview with the Atlanta Bulletin. Van Holden insisted on doing the interview downstairs in public, claiming that hiding in his hotel room from the assassin would send out the wrong message to the public. However, Milton claimed that Van Holden should be more concerned about his safety than his public image. Milton then excused himself and stepped outside of the room to answer a call, while Van Holden went to prepare himself for an interview.
Van Holden was interviewed for an upcoming Atlanta Bulletin article. He recalled the talk show where he was threatened by many people and conversed on their differing viewpoints on limiting access to firearms. Van Holden stated that the great majority of Americans agree on expanding background checks for all gun sales. Van Holden noted that the regulations he was pushing are not about taking certain guns away from all people, but about taking all guns away from certain people.
Suddenly, an explosion erupted in the room, shattering the door to pieces; a disoriented Van Holden ducked for the floor and hid. A few assassins burst into the room and eliminated both Cerberus guards. With his guards dead, Van Holden slunk away from them, begging them for mercy, saying that his death would not help them achieve what he wanted. The man simply ignored his words and pulled his gun, preparing to murder him. However, the Ghost entered the room and took the bullet with his vest for Van Holden, saving him. Using the opportunity to flee, Van Holden grabbed a pistol and shot one of the men, which allowed him to escape.
In the aftermath of the attack, Van Holden is captured by the police and taken to prison since all of the evidence that connected him to Williamson and Milton was exposed to the public.
== Personality ==
In his first appearance, Hank is shown to be a strong supporter of anti-gun laws, and in his interviews, he is very polite and self-confident and shows strong support for the people in Atlanta and wants to create state-wide peace and lessen crime rates.
Despite having outward charisma and friendliness, Hank was a cold, arrogant, calculating, and manipulative sociopath who was willing to hire two rogue CIA agents and allow them to murder hundreds of people and transport illegal goods across the country, to get what he wanted.
He is also somewhat timid, reluctant, and cowardly, fleeing his penthouse while leaving Moss and Jay to die so they can fight off the assassins. He was also extremely egotistical and cocky, believing he would beat the charges against him when he was arrested, not realizing that while awaiting trial, many people disown him for his dishonesty and willingness to aid corrupt agents with their criminal activities.
== Appearance ==
Hank is an American man, standing at 5'11. He has long-length graying brown hair, a thick beard, blue eyes, and a slender physique.
He wore various suits during his appearances. He wore a dark gray suit with a blue tie and a US Flag pin on his jacket collar during his campaign.
== Skills ==
* Combat Skills: While never shown, Van Holden appears to be capable of using a firearm, notably firing an S&W M&P pistol from one of the dead Cerberus guards at assassins or carrying a revolver whenever he's home.
* Connections: He is partners with Williamson Logistics Corporation and Cerberus Corp, using their services to transport illegal gear to finance his election as Senator.
== Equipment ==
* S&W 36: Van Holden's sidearm. He notably had the weapon sat down before being arrested by the FBI. His revolver has a nickel finish and a custom handle with a golden peach on the grip.
* S&W M&P: Van Holden temporarily took the pistol and fired it at the assassins before running away.
== Deaths ==
Murders connected to Van Holden:
* 100+ US Soldiers and Civilians: Killed by Williamson's orders to aid Van Holden with his election
== Trivia ==