New details of the horrifying case of political violence have come to light as authorities say the suspect’s “crimes are the stuff of nightmares.”
Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Joe Thompson did not mince words about the severity of the crimes committed by Vance Luther Boelter.
Specifically, Boelter faces federal charges for killing a Democrat lawmaker and her husband while wounding another Democrat politician and his wife.
Thompson stated, “It is no exaggeration to say that his crimes are the stuff of nightmares.”
“Boelter stalked his victims like prey. He went to their homes, held himself out as a police officer, and shot them in cold blood,” he stated.
The attacks were apparently meant to claim even more victims, as Boelter had compiled a hit list of over 45 elected officials before his capture following a massive 43-hour manhunt.
The 57-year-old man faces six federal charges, including two counts of stalking, two counts of murder, and two firearms-related charges that could make him eligible for the death penalty.
He also faces state charges of two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder after his deadly rampage targeting Democrat state lawmakers.
The suspect’s careful planning included impersonating a police officer, using a black SUV disguised as a police vehicle, and wearing what authorities described as a “hyper-realistic latex mask” during his attacks.
Boelter is accused of murdering Democratic Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, while also shooting and wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who are expected to recover.
Authorities revealed that Boelter intended to assassinate two other unnamed lawmakers the same night, but was thwarted when police seized his vehicle and materials.
After the shootings, he bought a vehicle with cash in an attempt to evade capture, but was eventually found in a wooded area of rural Sibley County, Minnesota.
When captured, he was armed but surrendered without exchanging gunfire.
The two-day manhunt was the largest in Minnesota’s history, involving 20 SWAT teams working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect.
When police searched Boelter’s vehicle, they discovered a treasure trove of evidence, including five firearms, large quantities of ammunition, and documents containing the names of prominent officials and community leaders.
Perhaps most damning was the discovery of a handwritten confession along with other incriminating items found in both his vehicle and his wife’s car.
Before fleeing, Boelter reportedly told his wife, “Words are not gonna explain how sorry I am for this situation. There’s gonna be some people coming to the house armed and trigger-happy and I don’t want you guys around.”
The pattern of targeting Democrats has raised serious concerns about political violence in America.
Each lawmaker Boelter visited or planned to attack was a Democrat, according to authorities.
The suspect appeared in federal court and was appointed a federal public defender, with his next court hearing scheduled for June 27.
Investigations revealed that Boelter conducted extensive surveillance and research on his victims and their families using the internet before carrying out his attacks.
The incident has been described as a “chilling attack on democracy” and represents a deeply troubling example of political extremism turning violent.
