Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting Suspect Appears Federal Court

Vance Boelter appeared in federal court facing multiple charges, including murder, stalking, and the use of a firearm, for the politically motivated shootings of Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and the wounding of state senator John Hoffman and his wife. Authorities described the attacks as a targeted political assassination, with Boelter allegedly planning extensively and aiming to intimidate numerous lawmakers. Boelter was arrested following the largest manhunt in Minnesota history and is currently held in Sherburne County Jail under difficult conditions, with his defense requesting a transfer to improve his situation. Prosecutors have expressed intent to seek the death penalty, and a grand jury indictment is anticipated. The victims, including the Hortmans and their dog, are lying in state at the Minnesota Capitol as the community mourns. Boelter has not yet entered a plea, and his preliminary and detention hearings have been rescheduled, with authorities emphasizing the gravity of political violence and the need for accountability.