Suspect in Deadly Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting Cites Low Income, Requests Public Defender
Vance Boelter, the 57-year-old suspect facing federal charges in connection with the fatal shooting of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband, told a federal court judge on Monday that he cannot afford private legal representation. Boelter stated in court that he earns approximately $540 per week from a part-time job and has savings of $20,000-$30,000, which he deemed insufficient for legal fees, despite owning his home and multiple vehicles. A judge recommended he be appointed a federal public defender.
Boelter faces six federal charges, including murder and stalking, stemming from attacks on multiple Minnesota state legislators and their spouses early Saturday morning. These federal charges could make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted. Separately, the Hennepin County Attorney’s office plans to file first-degree murder charges at the state level. Boelter remains in federal custody pending further hearings, with a combined detention and preliminary hearing scheduled for June 27th.
A Planned Campaign of Violence
Federal officials described the incidents as a “chilling attack on our democracy” and “political extremism,” alleging Boelter “embarked on a planned campaign of stalking and violence, designed to inflict fear, injure, and kill members of the Minnesota state legislature and their families.” Authorities say Boelter meticulously researched his victims and their families, surveilled their homes, and planned a larger-scale attack.
According to federal prosecutors, Boelter targeted at least four lawmakers’ homes. He allegedly impersonated a police officer, using a hyper-realistic silicone mask, a fake “Police” license plate, police-style lights on his vehicle, and potentially wearing body armor.
At the home of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, Boelter allegedly posed as police before shooting both of them multiple times. Both survived and are recovering.
Boelter also visited the homes of two other state representatives, one of whom was not home at the time.
Ultimately, at the Brooklyn Park home of State Representative Melissa Hortman, Boelter is accused of fatally shooting Rep. Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. Responding officers reportedly engaged Boelter at this location before he fled.
Evidence Suggests Extensive Preparation
Following Boelter’s flight from the Hortman residence, his abandoned SUV was located. Inside, investigators discovered a cache of evidence highlighting the alleged planning, including:
Multiple firearms, including semi-automatic, assault-style rifles.
A large quantity of ammunition.
Notebooks containing lists of over 45 Minnesota state and federal elected officials, mostly or all Democrats, with names, home addresses, and notes. Some lists included “abortion rights supporters.”
GPS device history confirming visits to the addresses of targeted officials.
A realistic mask and tactical gear.
Investigators also recovered text messages Boelter sent to his wife hours after the shootings, stating “Dad went to war last night” and expressing remorse while warning her about armed individuals possibly coming to their home. A search of a residence where Boelter lived part-time uncovered additional notebooks with lists of officials and descriptive notes about their homes. Receipts indicated purchases of tactical gear and ammunition shortly before the attacks.
Suspect Profile Emerges
Vance Boelter, 57, was raised in a small Minnesota town, is married, and has five children. Friends and former colleagues described him to reports as a devout Christian and political conservative who had been experiencing work-related difficulties. He was a pastor for a Democratic Republic of the Congo-based evangelical church and preached about “living for God.” An archived website for his ministry stated he had sought out “militant Islamists” to share the gospel and advocate against violence.
Politically, Boelter was described as a supporter of President Donald Trump and held strong anti-abortion views, believing it was “murder.” Despite owning multiple cars and a home, a roommate indicated Boelter had struggled financially, having quit most of his jobs and working part-time overnight shifts for an organization handling eye donations.
Manhunt and Arrest
The attacks triggered the “largest manhunt in Minnesota history.” Boelter fled the scene, purchasing an e-bike and a car from a stranger, emptying a bank account to do so. He was located late Sunday night in a rural area southwest of Minneapolis after a resident spotted him on a trail camera. Authorities tracked him using drones and took him into custody peacefully near Green Isle, Minnesota, about a mile from his home. A handwritten letter addressed to the FBI, signed “Dr. Vance Luther Boelter,” identifying himself as “the shooter at large,” was found in the abandoned car he purchased.
The incident has drawn attention to concerns about political violence. Following the shooting, initial attempts by some figures, including Elon Musk, to portray Boelter as a “violent leftist” were swiftly contradicted by reports from those who knew him and evidence suggesting a different profile. Authorities have urged an end to misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding the case.
