Federal Authorities Arrest Suspect in Minnesota Lawmaker’s Assassination
In a shocking turn of events, Vance Boelter, 57, has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, following a meticulously planned assassination attempt. Authorities reported that Boelter drove to the residences of two other state lawmakers prior to successfully executing his attack on the Hortmans at their Brooklyn Park home on Saturday.
The assailant, disguised as a police officer, allegedly shot State Senator John Hoffman and his wife earlier the same evening. Prosecutors revealed that a list of over 45 legislators, primarily Democrats, was found in Boelter’s vehicle, indicating a broader target plan. Initial charges include two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. Hennepin County’s chief prosecutor, Mary Moriarty, announced plans to pursue first-degree murder charges that carry a life sentence without parole.
Federal prosecutors have similarly charged Boelter, with the potential for a death sentence following his confession noted in a letter to the FBI found in his abandoned vehicle. Joseph Thompson, Minnesota’s acting U.S. attorney, emphasized the rarity of political assassinations, stating, “They strike at the very core of our democracy.”
The investigation also highlighted alarming details regarding Boelter’s preparations, including the use of police-style lights and attire during the attacks. Amid a massive manhunt involving over 20 SWAT teams, Boelter was apprehended without further incident. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the violence, asserting that it "cannot be the norm" in political discourse.
Boelter is expected to make his initial federal court appearance soon, as the state and nation grapple with the implications of this brutal act in the context of escalating political tensions.
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