Minnesota Man Charged with Murder in Political Assassination Plot

A wave of shock and fear has gripped Minnesota following the tragic death of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. The alleged perpetrator, Vance Boelter, 57, is now in custody, facing multiple charges including murder and stalking in connection with the deadly attack and the earlier shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who thankfully survived.

Federal court documents released this week paint a disturbing picture of a meticulously planned "political assassination" plot. Prosecutors allege that Boelter engaged in extensive research and preparation leading up to the June 14th attacks.

According to an FBI affidavit, Boelter compiled a list of primarily Democratic state lawmakers and their home addresses. He modified his SUV to resemble a police vehicle, complete with flashing lights and a counterfeit license plate. Furthermore, he acquired a realistic silicone mask and a stockpile of weapons.

The affidavit alleges that Boelter embarked on a deliberate campaign of stalking and violence, with the intent to instill fear, inflict harm, and kill members of the Minnesota legislature and their families. Authorities described the crimes as deeply disturbing and likened them to a nightmare scenario.

The sequence of events began early on Saturday, June 14th, when Boelter allegedly arrived at the home of Senator John Hoffman in Champlin, Minnesota. Disguised in tactical gear and the silicone mask, he reportedly posed as a police officer, repeatedly knocking on the door and demanding entry.

When the Hoffmans opened the door, Boelter claimed to be responding to a shooting. However, the Hoffmans quickly realized the ruse. In response, Boelter allegedly declared a robbery and opened fire, wounding both John and Yvette Hoffman. Their adult daughter called 911 to report the shooting.

Just minutes later, Boelter appeared at the home of another state legislator in Maple Grove, again posing as a police officer with a warrant. Fortunately, the legislator was not home at the time.

A New Hope police officer encountered a vehicle matching the description of Boelter's SUV near the home of another elected official. The officer attempted to speak with the driver, believing it to be a fellow law enforcement officer, but the man remained unresponsive.

The violence culminated at the home of Representative Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park. Arriving at the scene, officers found Boelter, still in disguise, outside the residence. Gunshots rang out, and officers discovered the Hortmans fatally wounded inside their home. Their dog was also severely injured.

Boelter fled the scene, leaving behind a handgun, the mask, and his SUV, which contained five firearms and notebooks filled with handwritten notes, including the names of numerous Minnesota officials.

Following the shootings, Boelter allegedly sent text messages to his family, hinting at his involvement and expressing remorse. He warned his wife about the potential arrival of armed law enforcement.

In an attempt to evade capture, Boelter reportedly purchased an e-bike and a Buick from a man he met at a bus stop. He also withdrew a significant sum of money from his bank account.

The search for Boelter concluded when police received a tip about a man riding an e-bike near his family home. They located the Buick he had purchased and found a letter addressed to the FBI, in which the writer identified himself as "Dr. Vance Luther Boelter" and claimed responsibility for the shootings. Boelter surrendered to law enforcement without incident.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full extent of Boelter's motivations and any potential accomplices. The tragic events have raised serious concerns about the safety and security of elected officials and their families.