Suspected Shooter of Minnesota Lawmakers Expresses Anticipation for Trial

During a recent court hearing, Vance Boelter, who is accused of shooting two lawmakers and their spouses in Minnesota, expressed a desire to see the facts revealed during his trial. The 57-year-old is charged with both state and federal offenses related to the incident that occurred on June 14, which involved the attack on Democratic State House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who fortunately survived.

In the federal court appearance, Boelter chose to waive his right to a detention hearing, a process in which prosecutors typically present evidence for the charges against him. He stated that he is “looking forward to court,” emphasizing that he wants to address events tied to the days leading up to the shootings. The judge has ordered that he remain in custody while awaiting trial.

At a prior hearing in late June, Boelter expressed dissatisfaction over his treatment at Sherburne County Jail, claiming he had not slept properly for over a week. His attorney, Manvir Atwal, detailed concerns about his client being on suicide watch, existing in a minimal cell environment, and suffering from constant illumination that made it hard for him to discern day from night. She pointed out the distressing conditions he faced, including unsanitary behavior from another inmate.

The sheriff of Sherburne County, Joel Brott, dismissed Boelter’s complaints as “absurd,” clarifying that the continuous lighting is necessary for safety checks on inmates. Prosecutors allege that Boelter disguised himself as a police officer during the shootings, which took place at the lawmakers' homes in the early hours. Following a two-day manhunt, he was apprehended near his residence.

In reaction to the targeted violence, Boelter’s wife, Jenny, expressed through her lawyer that her family is horrified and heartbroken by the events. She highlighted that their family beliefs are fundamentally opposed to such violence, calling it a betrayal of their Christian values.