MINNEAPOLIS — A grand jury has indicted Vance Boelter for premeditated first-degree murder in connection with a series of violent incidents on June 14, according to Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty. The indictment details additional alleged victims, deepening the severity of the charges connected to Boelter’s purportedly politically motivated actions.
The charges against Boelter include two counts of first-degree murder, four counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of felony animal cruelty, and one count of impersonating a police officer. The indictment has drawn significant attention, given the charged nature of the incidents and the profiles of the victims.
Boelter is accused of killing state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, while also attempting to murder Representative Kristin Bahner and state Senator John Hoffman, along with Hoffman’s wife, Yvette, and their daughter, Hope. The attacks reportedly occurred at the victims’ homes early in the morning of June 14, adding a chilling layer to the allegations.
“These individuals are part of our community here in Hennepin County,” Moriarty said during the announcement. “They were public servants, elected to represent us.” The violent nature of the attacks on these elected officials has alarmed many and sparked conversations around political safety and the escalating threats faced by public figures.
Representatives Bahner and Hoffman were not at home during the incident. Authorities stated that Boelter allegedly posed as a police officer, ringing Bahner’s doorbell and knocking for over two minutes. Similar tactics were reportedly used at the residences of both Hortman and Hoffman.
While a federal case related to these incidents is pending, Moriarty indicated that her office will defer actions against Boelter until the federal proceedings are resolved. Currently, no jury trial date has been set for the state case.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the full scope of Boelter’s actions and any potential motives behind what has been described as a politically charged rampage.
This incident has reignited discussions about the safety of public officials and the protection of those in leadership roles within the community. As the legal process unfolds, the broader implications of these charges will likely continue to be a topic of concern and debate.
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