Minnesota Suspect Charged With Killing, Stalking Lawmakers

Vance Boelter, 57, was federally charged with multiple crimes including murder and stalking after assassinating Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Boelter meticulously planned the attacks by researching lawmakers, compiling a list of mostly Democratic targets, disguising himself as a police officer using a fake license plate and silicone mask, and modifying his vehicle to resemble a police car. On the night of June 14, he visited the homes of four Minnesota lawmakers, shooting some and attempting to kill others, which led to the largest manhunt in Minnesota history before his arrest. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson described the incident as a "political assassination" and a chilling attack on democracy, highlighting the severity and rarity of such politically motivated violence in the United States. Boelter faces federal charges that carry the possibility of the death penalty, and state prosecutors plan to pursue first-degree murder charges as well. Authorities emphasized that this case reflects a dangerous example of political extremism and called it a wake-up call about the potential for violence against elected officials.