Federal Charges Filed Against Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting Suspect

Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was arrested and charged with multiple federal crimes including murder, stalking, and firearms offenses following a shooting that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounded State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Boelter allegedly stalked these lawmakers, wearing a police-like uniform and a hyper-realistic silicone mask during the attacks, and used a Beretta 9 mm handgun. Federal prosecutors have filed six charges against him, which carry the possibility of the death penalty, though officials have not yet decided if they will pursue it. Boelter was apprehended after what Minnesota authorities described as the largest manhunt in the state's history. The suspect also visited the homes of other elected officials on the day of the shootings but did not harm anyone at those locations. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson characterized Boelter’s actions as “chilling” and emphasized the severity of the crimes during a press conference announcing the charges.