Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) – A Minnesota man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on first-degree murder charges in connection with a deadly June attack that killed a state lawmaker and her husband.
According to federal court documents, Vance Boelter is accused of carrying out a coordinated attack on June 14, killing Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, while also wounding another lawmaker and his wife.
Boelter was formally indicted last month on six counts, including murder and related federal charges. Because the case is being prosecuted at the federal level, Boelter could face the death penalty if convicted.
He has entered a not guilty plea to all charges.
The indictment stems from what authorities described as a targeted assault on public officials. While details of the investigation remain sealed, prosecutors allege Boelter planned and carried out the attack deliberately.
Boelter’s next scheduled court appearance is set for November 25 in federal court.
The case has drawn significant attention, given the victims’ roles in Minnesota politics and the rare possibility of a federal capital punishment case in the state. Minnesota does not have the death penalty under state law, but federal charges allow for it.
Authorities have not yet released further details on the motive behind the attack.
For more information on how federal law handles capital punishment cases, visit the U.S. Department of Justice.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Vance Boelter