A tragic shooting in Minnesota has left a prominent lawmaker and her husband dead. The accused, Vance Luther Boelter, 57, is now in custody, facing serious charges. The FBI describes him as a doomsday "prepper," part of a small group that prepares for catastrophic events.
Last Saturday, Boelter allegedly shot and killed Melissa Hortman, the Democratic House Speaker Emerita, and her husband, Mark. He also injured Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, during the rampage. Authorities believe he had plans to target more individuals.
Boelter was captured in the woods after a two-day manhunt. His wife, Jenny, was stopped by police just hours after the shootings while trying to take their four children to safety. She reported that Vance had sent her a warning message, advising her to flee and prepare for "war." Officers found a significant amount of cash, passports, and firearms in her vehicle. Although she has not been charged with any crime, she mentioned that her husband had a detailed "bailout plan" for emergencies.
In his communications, Boelter claimed that Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz ordered him to kill Senator Amy Klobuchar as part of a conspiracy to replace her in the Senate. However, there is no evidence supporting this claim. A list of about 70 targets, including Klobuchar and other Democratic leaders, was found in his possession.
The suspect disguised himself as a police officer to gain access to the homes of the lawmakers he attacked. He wore a vest equipped with a Taser and a badge, making it easier to deceive his victims.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the shootings as an "act of targeted political violence." Yvette Hoffman, who survived the attack, was released from the hospital after being shot while shielding her daughter. Her husband remains hospitalized.
This incident has raised concerns about the growing political violence in the country. The community is left reeling as investigators continue to piece together the motivations behind this shocking event.