Vance Boelter indicted on federal charges for Melissa Hortman's killing
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Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot on June 14. Photo: Steven Garcia/Getty Images
A grand jury has indicted the man accused of killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark on six federal charges, including murder and stalking, prosecutors announced Tuesday.
The big picture: Prosecutors say Vance Boelter, 57, posed as a police officer when he shot and killed the Hortmans in their Brooklyn Park home early in the morning on June 14.
- He is also accused of shooting and injuring state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife as part of what prosecutors have described as a broader plot to target Democratic lawmakers.
- Boelter was arrested in southwest Minnesota after a two-day manhunt.
What they're saying: Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said that prosecutors are still investigating the motive behind what he called an act of "political extremism."
- But Thompson said they remain confident the alleged gunman acted alone.
Details: Charges in the indictment were updated to include the attempted murder of the Hoffmans' adult daughter Hope, who was home the night of the shooting and called 911.
- A warrant that was unsealed Tuesday also reveals new details about the lead up to the attack, including a claim that security footage captured a man casing the Hortmans' home before it happened.
Zoom in: As part of the warrant, prosecutors released a handwritten letter in which someone claiming to Boelter admits to being the shooter.
- The letter includes a claim that both prosecutors and Gov. Tim Walz say is completely untrue: That Walz wanted Boelter to kill U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith for political gain and threatened Boelter's family if he refused to comply.
- The letter, addressed to FBI Director Kash Patel, claims that Boelter was trained by "US military people off the books starting in college."
- Prosecutors told reporters they have no evidence to support that assertion.
When asked about the letter's claims, Thompson said it's unclear whether the contents reflect a "delusion that [Boelter] believes" or "is designed as an effort to misdirect our investigation."
- "It certainly seems designed to excuse his crimes," he added.
Zoom out: Boelter, who remains in custody in Minnesota, is also facing state murder charges.
- In a written interview from jail with the New York Post, he recently denied his actions were motivated by his anti-abortion views or support for President Trump and claimed more details will emerge "if the gov ever let's [sic] it get out."
- Boelter has not yet entered a plea.
What we're watching: Federal prosecutors have not yet said whether they will seek the death penalty in the case.
- Thompson said that decision will be made in the coming weeks, following a "holistic" review that includes consultation with the victims, their families and leaders of the U.S. Department of Justice.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.