Key points
- Lawmaker Melissa Hortman and husband were fatally shot
- Boelter posed as officer, attacked four victims
- Police found kill list targeting 45 politicians
- Boelter faces federal and state murder charges
ISLAMABAD: A 57-year-old man, Vance Luther Boelter, has been charged in a deadly and politically motivated attack that claimed the lives of Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and seriously injured Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Federal authorities allege Boelter had plans to kill at least two more lawmakers, having researched and surveilled their homes in what officials described as a “chilling” and calculated plot, according to the BBC.
Boelter appeared in court in St Paul on Monday wearing an orange prison suit. He claimed he could not afford legal representation, though he disclosed owning seven cars and savings of around $20,000–$30,000.
Faces six charges
He now faces six federal charges, including murder, stalking, and firearms offences – some of which could lead to the death penalty. He also faces state charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder.
The attacks began early Saturday in the Minneapolis suburbs. Boelter, disguised as a police officer and wearing a realistic silicone mask, approached the Hoffmans’ home in a black vehicle with emergency lights.
Posing as law enforcement, he falsely claimed there had been a shooting inside. When the couple challenged him, Boelter allegedly opened fire, injuring both multiple times.
Their daughter called emergency services, and the couple remains in the hospital but is expected to recover.
Attacking lawmakers
Boelter then attempted to target two more lawmakers, but they were not home at the time. He proceeded to the residence of Melissa and Mark Hortman, where he allegedly shot them dead.
Responding officers arrived in time to prevent further violence, causing Boelter to flee. A two-day manhunt followed, ending with his arrest in a rural wooded area where he surrendered peacefully.
Authorities later discovered his car containing weapons, ammunition, maps, and a list of over 45 targeted politicians. Police believe their intervention likely prevented further bloodshed.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said officers had disrupted Boelter’s broader plan by intercepting his vehicle and equipment.
US Attorney Joseph Thompson condemned the attacks as a “direct assault on democracy”, highlighting a disturbing rise in political violence.
Boelter is scheduled to appear in court again on 27 June.
