Minnesota Man Charged in Killings of Lawmaker and Husband, Allegedly Planned More Attacks on Officials

A man accused of killing a Democratic lawmaker in Minnesota, her husband, and injuring two others, allegedly tried to attack two more legislators, authorities said Monday.

Vance Luther Boelter, 57, faces charges for shooting Melissa Hortman, a state Democrat, and her husband, Mark. He also visited three other lawmaker homes in what officials described as "truly chilling" attempts. U.S. Attorney Joseph H Thompson explained that Boelter had studied the victims and their families beforehand. Authorities believe he planned a bigger attack, but police disrupted it.

Boelter appeared in court Monday afternoon on six federal charges, with the possibility of the death penalty if convicted. He wore an orange jumpsuit and said he couldn’t afford a lawyer, so a federal defense attorney will be appointed.

During the brief hearing, Boelter said he owns seven cars, has between $20,000 and $30,000 in savings, and makes about $540 weekly.

At a press briefing, officials described the events early Saturday in Minneapolis suburbs when the Hortmans were killed. They also mentioned shots fired at state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

Boelter now faces six federal charges, which could lead to the death penalty. These include two counts of stalking, two counts of murder, and two firearms charges. On the state level, he is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two of attempted second-degree murder.

Thompson said Boelter arrived at Hoffman's house pretending to be a police officer. He parked a large black car with flashing emergency lights outside. Boelter was wearing a very life-like silicon mask when he rang the doorbell and shouted, "this is the police, open the door."

Police said the Hoffmans had a security camera outside that showed everything. When they opened the door, Boelter pointed a flashlight at them. He claimed there was a shooting at the house and lowered the light. The couple then realized he was not police.

As they tried to push him out, Boelter reportedly fired multiple shots. Then he fled, and their daughter, Hope, called 911. Yvette Hoffman was hit eight times, John Hoffman nine times. Both are still in hospital, but Governor Tim Walz expects them to recover fully.

After shooting the Hoffmans, Boelter drove to another lawmaker's house but found it empty—they were away on vacation. Authorities haven’t revealed her name.

He then went to a third lawmaker’s home, targeting that person too. Police did not share that lawmaker’s name either.

An officer stopped Boelter’s car, thinking he was a police officer doing a wellness check. But Boelter stared straight ahead and continued to the Hortman residence.

There, authorities believe he shot and killed Melissa and Mark Hortman. Police found him there and exchanged gunfire. Boelter then ran away.

After a two-day search, police found him late Sunday night in a wooded area west of Minneapolis. He surrendered peacefully, crawling toward officers.

Thompson said Boelter planned his attack carefully. He had watched their homes and took notes. Authorities also discovered five more guns in his car, including assault-style rifles, along with lots of ammunition. They found a list of more than 45 Minnesota and federal officials, including Hortman.

Brooklyn Park police chief Mark Bruley said officers at the Hortman home stopped a larger plan. They took Boelter’s vehicle, which had maps, names, and weapons. Bruley said they prevented a bigger tragedy.

He added, "We would have been in serious trouble if officers hadn’t stopped him."

Thompson called the attack a "chilling assault on our democracy. "He added that violence from political extremism is increasing. "People can disagree without being evil or needing to be hurt," he said.

Boelter is scheduled for his next court date on June 27.