The suspect implicated in the tragic shooting of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband has been slapped with six federal charges, including stalking and murder. Vance Boelter, 57, was arrested following a two-day manhunt after the killings on June 14. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Minnesota's acting attorney general, Joseph H. Thompson, labeled Boelter’s actions as "political assassinations,” describing a night that left Minnesota in shock. Not only is Boelter being held on federal charges, but he also faces state charges for allegedly stalking and shooting at two state lawmakers—Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Prosecutors revealed that Boelter had meticulously planned a larger attack, indicating he could have harmed more elected officials. They noted he had been researching his targets in advance, even dressing as a police officer to gain access to the Hoffmans' home before the heinous act.
While Boelter reportedly claimed that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had asked him to kill U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, this allegation has been strongly denied. He is currently awaiting trial and has not yet entered a plea.
