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Minnesota Shooting Suspect Faces State and Federal Murder Charges After Manhunt

Federal prosecutors filed murder charges after uncovering Boelter’s detailed hit list of dozens of political figures, demonstrating his premeditation.

Overview

  • Vance Boelter, 57, was arrested Sunday night after a more than 36-hour search and is charged with two counts each of second-degree murder and attempted murder under state law plus six federal counts that carry the possibility of the death penalty.
  • Authorities say Boelter impersonated a police officer, outfitting a Ford SUV with lights and badge before visiting the homes of four lawmakers in a coordinated attack.
  • Investigators recovered notebooks and digital records showing he used people-finding websites to map addresses and carried a list of about 70 Democratic legislators and abortion rights advocates.
  • State prosecutors announced plans to upgrade charges to first-degree murder, which carries life without parole, as federal officials condemned the plot as an attack on democratic institutions.
  • High-profile lawmakers including Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith and Reps. Ilhan Omar and Keith Ellison confirmed they were named on Boelter’s list, prompting renewed calls for increased security funding.