Vance Boelter has been formally charged in the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, with the FBI revealing that he visited the homes of several other elected officials on the same night he fatally shot State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and separately wounded State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
According to a criminal complaint filed Saturday in Hennepin County Court, Boelter, 57, faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder.
In addition, Boelter is facing six federal charges, including stalking and murder, CBS News reported.
The FBI held a press conference Monday morning to provide updates on the case, and Boelter appeared in federal court in St. Paul later that afternoon, wearing an orange jumpsuit and under police escort.
Boelter was taken into custody Sunday night near his home in Sibley County after a manhunt that lasted more than 36 hours.
During a separate press conference Monday morning, the FBI disclosed that on the same night he killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and wounded Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Boelter also visited the homes of two other Minnesota lawmakers, the outlet reported.
Following the shooting at the Hoffmans’ home, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson stated that Boelter traveled to the residence of a state representative in Maple Grove. However, the lawmaker was on vacation and not home at the time, CBS News noted.
Boelter then allegedly proceeded to the home of a state senator in New Hope. After learning about the Champlin shooting, a New Hope police officer conducted a wellness check at the senator’s residence. Upon arrival, the officer found what appeared to be a squad car—later identified as Boelter’s vehicle—parked outside. The officer attempted to speak with Boelter, who did not respond. By the time backup arrived, Boelter had fled the scene.
The FBI has not publicly identified the two additional lawmakers allegedly targeted. However, State Sen. Ann Rest (DFL–New Hope) confirmed in a statement Monday that she had been informed Boelter’s SUV was spotted near her home Saturday morning.
“I am so grateful for the heroic work of the New Hope Police Department and its officers,” Rest said. “Their quick action saved my life.”
Thompson said that after leaving New Hope, Boelter went to the Hortmans’ residence in Brooklyn Park. When police arrived, they spotted him just feet from the front door. He drew a firearm, prompting an exchange of gunfire before he forced his way into the house and opened fire at the front door. Boelter then fatally shot both Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, CBS News noted.
Federal investigators allege that Boelter meticulously planned the attacks, stalking his targets, researching the lawmakers and their families, and conducting surveillance over an “extensive period of time.”
Thompson said on Monday: “This was a political assassination.”
During his hearing Monday afternoon, Boelter stated that he could not afford an attorney, claiming to have between $20,000 and $30,000 in savings. He also noted that he owns his home and possesses seven vehicles. Despite this, the judge temporarily appointed a federal public defender to represent him, the outlet reported.
During a separate press conference Monday morning, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced that her office plans to pursue first-degree murder charges against Vance Boelter, which carry a mandatory sentence of life without parole if convicted.
Moriarty explained that the second-degree murder charges—currently the most serious charges that can be filed through a criminal complaint—were filed late Saturday to secure a nationwide arrest warrant, CBS reported.
“It is a frightening time we are living in. Political violence is prevalent. And the way we talk to and about each other has raised the temperature to unfathomable levels. We cannot continue on this way,” Moriarty said.
