A deranged gunman went on a deadly rampage against Minnesota lawmakers in June, killing two innocent people and wounding two others in what prosecutors are calling planned political assassinations. Vance Luther Boelter, a 57-year-old man from Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, targeted Democratic politicians at their homes in the middle of the night. This shocking attack represents one of the most brazen acts of political violence our nation has seen.
On June 14th around 2 AM, Boelter began his twisted mission by going to State Senator John Hoffman’s home in Champlin. He knocked on the door claiming to be a police officer, then opened fire when the family answered. Hoffman was shot nine times and his wife Yvette eight times, but both miraculously survived. The couple’s daughter Hope was pushed to safety by her brave parents who took the bullets meant for her.
After leaving the Hoffmans fighting for their lives, this madman continued his hunt for more victims. He went to State Representative Melissa Hortman’s house in Brooklyn Park where he murdered both her and her husband Mark in cold blood. These were good people serving their community who died simply because of their political positions.
The level of planning behind these attacks is truly disturbing. Boelter wore a realistic latex mask and repeatedly impersonated a police officer to gain access to his victims’ homes. Investigators found a hit list of about 45 elected officials in his car, showing this monster planned to kill dozens more innocent Americans. Only quick police work and pure luck prevented a massacre of historic proportions.
Law enforcement deserves credit for stopping this killer before he could complete his deadly mission. Officers scared him away from one target’s home and captured him the next day after an intensive manhunt. The brave Champlin police who responded to the Hoffmans’ emergency call likely saved their lives with quick medical attention.
Federal prosecutors have thrown the book at Boelter with six serious charges including murder, stalking, and firearms violations. He pleaded not guilty in August, but the evidence against him appears overwhelming. The feds are even considering the death penalty, which would be appropriate justice for these heinous crimes.
This attack has rightfully sparked new security measures at the Minnesota State Capitol with fewer entrances and more protection for lawmakers. No American should fear for their life because they chose to serve in public office. The fact that politicians need armed guards just to go home safely shows how far our society has fallen.
We must never let political violence become normal in America, no matter which party is targeted. Boelter’s evil actions deserve the harshest punishment our justice system can deliver. Every patriotic American should demand swift justice for these murdered families and pray this never happens again.
