Chilling Messages Sent Hours After Deadly Minnesota Shooting
In the aftermath of a tragic shooting that claimed the lives of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband, the suspect sent unsettling texts to his family, revealing a disturbing mindset.
Who Is Vance Luther Boelter?
Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was arrested following a violent spree that left House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband dead. Another Senator, John Hoffman, and his wife were seriously wounded but survived the attack.
Alarming Texts to Family
Shortly after the shootings, Boelter sent a message to his family group chat saying, "Dad went to war last night". In another message to his wife, he expressed sorrow but warned her to stay away from their home, cautioning about armed individuals who might come there.
"Words cannot express how sorry I am for this circumstance... I don't want you guys around because there's going to be some people coming to the house armed and trigger-happy," he wrote, according to court documents.
Highly Planned Attack
Authorities revealed that Boelter had meticulously planned the attack. He scouted the victims' homes, posed as a law enforcement officer to get close to them, and carried out the shootings with clear intent. Minnesota's governor condemned the incident as a politically motivated assassination.
Manhunt and Arrest
A two-day statewide manhunt ended when Boelter surrendered to SWAT officers. Officials described this operation as the largest manhunt in Minnesota's history. During his court appearance, a $5 million bond was set. He is facing charges of first-degree murder, which in Minnesota can lead to life imprisonment without parole, as the state does not have the death penalty.
Impact and Next Steps
The community remains shaken by the targeted attack on public officials in their homes. Boelter is scheduled to return to court later in June as investigations continue into the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident.
