A man accused of the tragic murders of a Democratic Minnesota lawmaker and her husband has allegedly attempted to kill two additional lawmakers, according to state officials. Vance Luther Boelter, 57, faces charges for fatally shooting Melissa Hortman and her spouse, Mark, while also injuring another lawmaker, state Senator John Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette, in a terror-filled spree.
Mr. Boelter is reported to have researched his targets and made chilling visits to the homes of multiple lawmakers in a plot that investigators claim was far more extensive than initially understood. U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson described the incidents as "truly chilling," noting that the authorities managed to thwart a potentially larger-scale attack.
In a St. Paul court appearance clad in an orange jumpsuit, Boelter confronted six federal charges, facing the death penalty should he be found guilty. He informed the court of his financial situation, stating he is unable to afford legal representation and that he has assets including several vehicles and savings.
Details of the horrifying events unfolded during a press conference. It was reported that Boelter targeted the Hoffmans during the early hours of Saturday, using a disguise to gain access to their home. Dressed as a police officer and carrying emergency lights, he tried to deceive the couple into opening their door by claiming there was a shooting.
Surveillance footage confirmed the harrowing sequence of events, in which Boelter fired multiple rounds at both Hoffmans after they realized he was an impostor. Both victims were hospitalized but are expected to recover.
Boelter later targeted a neighboring lawmaker’s home, but she was away on vacation. Another attempted attack was prevented when he was confronted by law enforcement near his vehicle, which contained a disturbing cache of weapons, ammunition, and a list of other officials, heightening fears regarding political violence in Minnesota.
Chief of Police Mark Bruley emphasized the quick response of law enforcement in preventing a broader tragedy, categorizing this violent act as an alarming reminder of rising political extremism. Mr. Boelter is scheduled for a follow-up court appearance in late June.
