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By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
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A federal prosecutor said Vance Boelter went to the homes of four politicians in a deadly rampage in Minnesota on Saturday.
Boelter, 57, is accused of fatally shooting Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. Boelter is also accused of injuring state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman.
Boelter is facing both state and federal charges in relation to the fatal incident.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson revealed new details about the shootings at a press conference on Monday, including that Boelter targeted the residences of four state lawmakers.
Why It Matters
Thompson said that "political assassinations" are rare and "strike at the very core of our democracy."
"The details of Boelter's crime are even worse," Thompson said. "They are truly chilling. It is no exaggeration to say that his crimes are the stuff of nightmares."
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty condemned political violence at a press conference on Monday.
"The way we talk to and about each other has raised the temperature to unfathomable levels," Moriarty said. "We cannot continue on this way. In times of tragedy, but also in our daily lives, we need to find ways to support one another."
What To Know
Thompson said that Boelter traveled to Senator Hoffman's home in Champlin first.
Boelter arrived in a black SUV with emergency lights and a license plate that read "Police," according to Thompson. Boelter was wearing a mask, a blue shirt, and a police-style tactical vest with a badge, according to court documents obtained by Newsweek.
Thompson said Boelter was carrying a 9-millimeter handgun.
Boelter repeatedly shouted, "This is the police. Open the door," according to Thompson.
Thompson said Boelter attempted to force entry into the home, then repeatedly shot Mark and Yvette.
Boelter then fled the scene.
Mark and Yvette survived the shooting but remain hospitalized.
Boelter then traveled to the Maple Grove home of a Minnesota state representative, whose identity was not disclosed by Thompson. He said video surveillance footage shows Boelter ringing the home's doorbell around 2:24 a.m. The lawmaker was on vacation with family at the time.
Boelter went to the New Hope home of a Minnesota state senator, whose identity was not disclosed. The New Hope Police Department dispatched an officer to conduct a wellness check after learning about the shooting at Senator Hoffman's home.
The officer saw Boelter's vehicle parked down the block and attempted to speak to Boelter, but he did not respond, Thompson said. By the time additional law enforcement officials arrived, Boelter had left the area.
Boelter then traveled to Representative Hortman's home in Brooklyn Park, arriving at around 3:30 a.m.
Responding officers saw Boelter standing several feet from the house's front door. Thompson said that upon seeing the officers, Boelter opened fire and entered the house.
Boelter is accused of fatally shooting Representative Hortman and her husband.
Boelter escaped through the back of the home and fled the scene. He was arrested in Green Isle on Sunday.
What People Are Saying
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, at a press conference on Monday: "Our law enforcement partners are building a case based on facts and evidence to ensure Vance Boelter is held accountable. Again, I want to thank everyone who helped bring this search to a resolution and again to express our grief, condolences and support to the Hortman and Hoffman families."
FBI Special Agent in Charge Alvin Winston, at a press conference on Monday: "This was a targeted attack against individuals who answered the call to public service."
What Happens Next
Criminal proceedings regarding Boelter's alleged crimes are expected to continue at the state and federal levels.
Moriarty said the investigation is in its "early stages" and the review of evidence will take time.
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