Vance Boelter Charged in Fatal Shootings of Minnesota Lawmaker and Spouse

Vance Boelter, 57, has been formally charged in the deadly shootings of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the wounding of State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. According to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County, Boelter faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder. Federal authorities have also filed six charges, including stalking and murder. Boelter was captured Sunday near his Sibley County home following a 36-hour manhunt. The FBI revealed Monday that he had visited the homes of at least two other state lawmakers the same night as the shootings. One lawmaker was away on vacation, and another, Sen. Ann Rest of New Hope, was saved when local police intervened after spotting Boelter’s vehicle outside her residence.

Federal investigators say Boelter meticulously researched and surveilled his targets for an extended period. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson called the attack a “political assassination.” Authorities say after failing to reach his earlier targets, Boelter proceeded to the Hortmans’ Brooklyn Park home, where he opened fire, killing both Melissa Hortman and her husband. During his court appearance Monday, Boelter claimed he couldn’t afford legal representation despite reporting tens of thousands in savings and multiple vehicles. A public defender was provisionally appointed. Meanwhile, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced plans to pursue upgraded first-degree murder charges, stating, “We cannot continue on this way. Political violence is prevalent and unacceptable.”