The suspect in the murder and attempted murder of Minnesota state lawmakers was charged with six federal crimes in addition to state charges, announced by the acting US Attorney Joe Thompson.
Vance Luther Boelter was arrested near his home in Green Isle, Minnesota on Sunday night, two days after the murders of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and attempted murder of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Thompson confirmed that the U.S. Attorney office filed its complaint against Boelter for his alleged “horrific attack” on the Minnesota lawmakers.
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“Political assassinations are rare,” Thompson in a news conference. “They strike at the very core of our democracy. But the details of Boelter’s crime are even worse. They are truly chilling. It is no exaggeration to say that his crimes are the stuff of nightmares. Boelter stalked his victims like prey. He went to their homes as a police officer and shot them in cold blood.”
The 20-page complaint filed by the attorney’s office charges Boelter with stalking Horman using interstate facilities, stalking Hoffman using interstate facilities, murder of Hortman and her husband with a firearm, and two counts of firearm offenses.
The murder of Hortman and her husband is punishable by life in prison. Other charges carry penalties of between 20 years to life in prison.
Thompson said it is “too early” to tell if Boelter will receive the death penalty. The state of Minnesota abolished its death penalty in 1911, and is one of 23 states that does not have the death penalty. Federal prosecutors can seek the death penalty on federal charges regardless of state laws.
In an earlier press conference, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty sought to assure that justice will be delivered to the victims of this case. She also addressed the political rhetoric fueling the “political violence” across the nation, and pushed for people to find ways “to support one another.”
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Boelter’s initial court appearance is set for 2:30 EST in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) expressed gratitude to law enforcement on X for their work in apprehending the suspected assassin. He has also encouraged people to not turn to violence in addressing the nation’s problems.