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Minnesota lawmaker shooting suspect Vance Boelter makes first court appearance
By Katie Wermus
Updated June 16, 2025 12:17pm CDT
Minnesota lawmaker shootings
FOX 9
- Vance Boelter made his first court appearance Monday afternoon on federal charges, including murder and stalking.
- He is accused of fatally shooting Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and injuring Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
- Boelter is also facing state charges of second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder, though prosecutors say they plan to pursue first-degree murder charges.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - More details emerged regarding the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses as suspect Vance Boelter made his first court appearance.
Boelter makes first federal court appearance
Boelter made his first court appearance in federal court on Monday. He wasn't shackled, and walked into court wearing an orange jumpsuit.
Before the hearing started, he was asking questions of his attorney casually. He did not seem nervous and didn't seem scared, FOX 9 reporter Mary McGuire observed.
He said he couldn't afford an attorney, and was appointed one by the federal defenders office.
His next court hearing is scheduled for June 27. He'll be held until then.
State court hearing held for Boelter
A first state court hearing was held for Boelter on Monday, but he wasn't in attendance due to his appearance in federal court. Federal authorities took him into custody around 10 a.m.
Boelter's $5 million bail is continued with Judge Hoyos granting a bench warrant to ensure there is a hold for him should federal authorities relinquish custody."
"Officials announced that an array of federal charges have been filed against Boelter for the targeted shootings and stalking of Minnesota lawmakers. This is in addition to the second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder charges filed in Hennepin County on Saturday.
Boelter, 57, is the suspect
in the assassination of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and injured Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Rep. Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday morning. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot and injured in their Champlin home.
Boelter was arrested in Green Isle, Minnesota, Sunday night after what officials tell FOX 9 was the
largest manhunt in Minnesota's history.
Additional details revealed
What they're saying:
"This was a political assassination, which is not a word we use very often in the United States, let alone here in Minnesota. It's a chilling attack on our democracy, on our way of life. It's only the most recent example of violent political extremism in this country," said acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
During a press conference on Monday, Thompson shared chilling details about the night of the shootings, such as Boelter visiting the homes of four lawmakers, including a state representative's home in Maple Grove and a state senator’s home in New Hope. Authorities also recovered a book containing the names of more than 45 state and federal officials.Thompson claims Boelter carefully planned the attacks by researching the victims, their families and used the internet and other tools to find their addresses and names. He then conducted surveillance of the homes and took notes about the locations.A photo from the federal complaint against Vance Boelter, who is charged in the Minnesota lawmaker shootings.
Furthermore, Thompson said Boelter's
primary motive was to "go out and murder people," all of whom were elected officials, but said beyond that it's too speculative to make a determination about his motivation in terms of ideology or specific issues.
Boelter is facing federal charges, including murder and stalking. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in court on Monday afternoon. Tjhompson said he remains in federal custody."
More
Ahead of Vance Boelter's initial appearance in federal court, more details have emerged regarding the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses.
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