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By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
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New details about Vance Boelter, including what he was wearing and what police found inside his vehicle, were revealed in court documents obtained by Newsweek.
Boelter, 57, is accused of fatally shooting Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. He is also accused of injuring state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Joseph H. Thompson said at a press conference on Monday that Boelter targeted four different Minnesota politicians. One politician was not home at the time, and the other called the police after Boelter's attempts to get them to answer the door.
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Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced at a press conference on Monday that the attorney's office intends to pursue first-degree murder charges against Boelter. Charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder were filed on Saturday, which are the highest charges that can be filed by complaint, Moriarty said. The move also allowed the attorney's office to obtain a nationwide arrest warrant.
"We intend to go forward on this case, because we are accountable to protect our community and hold people who commit crimes in this country accountable," Moriarty said.
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The Context
Moriarty condemned the prevalence of political violence in her comments at Monday's press conference.
"The way we talk to and about each other has raised the temperature to unfathomable levels," Moriarty said. "We cannot continue on this way. In times of tragedy, but also in our daily lives, we need to find ways to support one another."
Child of Lawmaker Called 911 After Parents' Shooting: Court Docs
A 911 caller reported that a masked individual came to their door and shot their parents, according to a statement of probable cause.
Champlin Police officers responded to the scene around 2:05 a.m. on Saturday. Officers found a male and a female who had been shot. The victims were being treated at a hospital, according to the document.
The document only identifies the victims as "Victims 3 and 4."
What Was Alleged Minnesota Assassin Vance Boelter Wearing?
Video surveillance footage from outside the residence showed a man, later identified as Boelter, wearing a mask, a blue shirt, and a "police-style" tactical vest with a badge and a yellow-gripped gun, according to court documents.
The statement of probable cause says Boelter announced himself as a police officer before entering the house and shooting the victims.
What Did They Find in Vance Boelter's Vehicle?
Officials searched a vehicle registered to Boelter and found at least three AK-47 assault rifles, a 9-millimeter handgun and a list of names and addresses of other public officials, according to the statement of probable cause.
Thompson said the list contained more than 45 Minnesota elected officials, including Hortman.
Officers also searched the surrounding area and found a ballistic vest, a disassembled 9-millimeter firearm, a mask, and a gold "police-style" badge, the document stated.
Boelter is listed as the purchaser of at least four of the recovered firearms.
Law Enforcement Witnesses Shooting of Lawmaker's Husband
The Brooklyn Park Police Department sent officers to the home of another state legislator, identified as "Victim 1," after learning of the shooting in Champlin.
When officials arrived at the residence, they saw Boelter shoot an adult man, identified as "Victim 2," through an open door, according to the statement of probable cause.
Police exchanged gunfire with Boelter, who fled inside the home before escaping the area.
Officers found the two victims deceased from gunshot wounds inside the residence.
Moriarty said the Brooklyn Park Police Department's response "likely stopped further bloodshed."
What People Are Saying
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, at a press conference on Monday: "Our law enforcement partners are building a case based on facts and evidence to ensure Vance Boelter is held accountable. Again, I want to thank everyone who helped bring this search to a resolution and again to express our grief, condolences and support to the Hortman and Hoffman families."
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Joseph H. Thompson, referring to Boelter at a press conference on Monday: "He stalked his victims like prey."
What Happens Next
Moriarty said the investigation is in its "early stages" and the review of evidence will take time.
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