FBI Reveals Stunning New Detail In Case of Murdered Minnesota Democrat

Vance Boelter has officially been charged in connection with the shootings of two lawmakers from Minnesota and their spouses. The FBI has disclosed that he visited the residences of several other elected officials on the same evening he fatally shot State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, while also injuring State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.

As per a criminal complaint submitted on Saturday in Hennepin County Court, Boelter, aged 57, is facing two counts of second-degree murder along with two counts of second-degree attempted murder.

Furthermore, Boelter is confronted with six federal charges, which include stalking and murder, as reported by CBS News.

On Monday morning, the FBI conducted a press conference to share updates regarding the case, and later that afternoon, Boelter appeared in federal court in St. Paul, dressed in an orange jumpsuit and accompanied by police.

Boelter was apprehended on Sunday night near his residence in Sibley County following a manhunt that extended beyond 36 hours.

During a separate press conference on Monday morning, the FBI revealed that on the same night he murdered Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and injured Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Boelter also visited the homes of two additional Minnesota lawmakers, according to the outlet.

Following the shooting incident at the Hoffmans’ residence, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson remarked that Boelter made his way to the home of a state representative in Maple Grove. However, CBS News reported that the lawmaker was away on vacation and not present at the time.

Subsequently, Boelter allegedly moved on to the residence of a state senator in New Hope. After being informed about the shooting in Champlin, a police officer from New Hope conducted a wellness check at the senator’s home. Upon arrival, the officer observed what seemed to be a squad car—later confirmed to be Boelter’s vehicle—parked outside. The officer attempted to engage with Boelter, who did not reply. By the time additional support arrived, Boelter had already left the scene.

The FBI has not disclosed the identities of the two other lawmakers that were reportedly targeted. Nevertheless, State Sen. Ann Rest (DFL–New Hope) acknowledged in a statement on Monday that she had been made aware of Boelter’s SUV being seen near her residence on Saturday morning.

“I am extremely thankful for the courageous efforts of the New Hope Police Department and its officers,” Rest expressed. “Their swift actions were instrumental in saving my life.”

Thompson indicated that after departing from New Hope, Boelter proceeded to the Hortmans’ home in Brooklyn Park. When law enforcement arrived, they located him just a few feet from the front entrance. He brandished a firearm, which led to an exchange of gunfire before he forcibly entered the house and fired at the front door. Boelter then tragically shot both Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, as reported by CBS News.

Federal investigators assert that Boelter carefully orchestrated the attacks, tracking his targets, researching the lawmakers and their families, and conducting surveillance over a prolonged duration.

Thompson remarked on Monday: “This was a political assassination.”

During his hearing on Monday afternoon, Boelter indicated that he could not afford legal representation, claiming to have between $20,000 and $30,000 in savings. He also mentioned that he owns his residence and has seven vehicles. Nevertheless, the judge provisionally appointed a federal public defender to represent him, as reported by the outlet.

In a separate press conference on Monday morning, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty declared that her office intends to pursue first-degree murder charges against Vance Boelter, which carry a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole if he is convicted.

Moriarty clarified that the second-degree murder charges—currently the most severe charges that can be filed through a criminal complaint—were submitted late Saturday to secure a nationwide arrest warrant, according to CBS.

“We are living in a frightening time. Political violence is widespread. The manner in which we communicate with and about one another has escalated to unimaginable levels. We cannot persist in this manner,” Moriarty stated.