Investigators say Boelter stalked four legislators’ homes, reveal new details of Rep. Hortman’s murder

Investigators reveal new details of Rep. Hortman’s murder and future of 57-year-old Vance Boelter. Federal prosecutors have filed a new round of charges against Boelter after he was apprehended late Sunday evening in connection with a politically motivated shooting rampage that left two dead and two others critically wounded.

The new federal charges include interstate stalking and federal murder—charges that could lead to the death penalty, according to U.S. officials.

Boelter, a former appointee of Democrat Governor Tim Walz, is accused of killing Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, early Saturday morning in their Brooklyn Park home.

Just hours later, he allegedly traveled to the home of State Senator John Hoffman in nearby Champlin, where he shot both Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Miraculously, the Hoffmans survived.

“John is enduring many surgeries right now and is closer every hour to being out of the woods,” Yvette Hoffman said in a statement on Sunday. “He took nine bullet hits. I took eight. We are both incredibly lucky to be alive. We are gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark. There is never a place for this kind of political hate.”

Federal investigators have now confirmed that Boelter’s actions were part of a broader plot. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson revealed Monday that Boelter had targeted at least four Minnesota state lawmakers in what authorities are calling an attempted political purge.

“In the early morning hours of June 14, Boelter went to the homes of four Minnesota state politicians with the intent to kill them,” Thompson said during a press briefing. “This was a premeditated, calculated act of domestic terrorism, driven by political extremism.”

The FBI said Boelter disguised himself as a police officer to gain access to his targets. Wearing a highly realistic silicone mask and a fake uniform, he reportedly knocked on doors pretending to be a responding officer.

When Senator Hoffman opened his door, Boelter shined a flashlight in his eyes and claimed there had been a shooting reported at the home. Before Hoffman could react, Boelter forced his way inside and opened fire.

Hoffman’s daughter quickly dialed 911, likely saving her parents’ lives. Authorities say Boelter fled the scene and managed to evade law enforcement for more than 36 hours before being captured without incident on Sunday night.

Law enforcement sources have not ruled out the possibility of additional co-conspirators or ideological influences. Boelter was allegedly carrying materials related to the radical “No Kings” protest movement and had previously expressed support for extremist anti-government views.

As of Monday evening, federal and state prosecutors were coordinating efforts to determine how best to proceed with charges. Given the politically charged nature of the case and the federal murder statute invoked, the Justice Department may seek the death penalty.

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