Federal court documents reveal that the man accused of murdering a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband sent a chilling message to his family after the killings, writing, "Dad went to war last night."
The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, is charged with the fatal shootings of state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the attempted murders of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette on Saturday, June 15, according to CNN.
Boelter, who had allegedly been stalking the victims and planning the attacks for days, is believed to have impersonated law enforcement in the lead-up to the violence. According to investigators, he purchased tactical gear and fake police decals just days before the shootings.
Court filings detail that Boelter texted family members shortly after the attacks, stating, "Dad went to war last night... I don't wanna say more because I don't wanna implicate anybody." He warned relatives to avoid their home, saying authorities would be "armed and trigger-happy."
During a search of Boelter's vehicle, agents found two handguns, $10,000 in cash, and multiple passports. Investigators also uncovered extensive writings outlining plans, surveillance notes, and names of other elected officials, though no explicit manifesto has been found. All of Boelter's known victims were elected Democrats.
Boelter has been charged federally with multiple counts of murder, stalking, and firearms offenses. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. He also faces state charges, including first-degree murder. Although both sets of charges remain active, federal prosecutors say their case is likely to proceed first.
Boelter remains in U.S. Marshal custody and will next appear in court on June 27. Bail in state court has been set at $5 million.
Originally published on Latin Times
