Minnesota lawmaker shooting suspect Vance Boelter makes first court appearance

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - More details emerged regarding the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses as suspect Vance Boelter made his first court appearance. 

Here are live updates from Monday, June 16.

Boelter makes first federal court appearance

Boelter made his first court appearance in federal court on Monday. He wasn't shackled, and walked into court wearing an orange jumpsuit. 

Before the hearing started, he was asking questions of his attorney casually. He did not seem nervous and didn't seem scared, FOX 9 reporter Mary McGuire observed. 

He said he couldn't afford an attorney, and was appointed one by the federal defenders office. 

His next court hearing is scheduled for June 27. He'll be held until then. 

State court hearing held for Boelter

A first state court hearing was held for Boelter on Monday, but he wasn't in attendance due to his appearance in federal court. Federal authorities took him into custody around 10 a.m.

Boelter's $5 million bail is continued with Judge Hoyos granting a bench warrant to ensure there is a hold for him should federal authorities relinquish custody. 

Vance Boelter facing federal, state charges

The backstory:

Officials announced that an array of federal charges have been filed against Boelter for the targeted shootings and stalking of Minnesota lawmakers. This is in addition to the second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder charges filed in Hennepin County on Saturday. 

Boelter, 57, is the suspect in the assassination of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and injured Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Rep. Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday morning. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot and injured in their Champlin home.

Boelter was arrested in Green Isle, Minnesota, Sunday night after what officials tell FOX 9 was the largest manhunt in Minnesota's history. 

Additional details revealed

What they're saying:

"This was a political assassination, which is not a word we use very often in the United States, let alone here in Minnesota. It's a chilling attack on our democracy, on our way of life. It's only the most recent example of violent political extremism in this country," said acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

During a press conference on Monday, Thompson shared chilling details about the night of the shootings, such as Boelter visiting the homes of four lawmakers, including a state representative's home in Maple Grove and a state senator’s home in New Hope. Authorities also recovered a book containing the names of more than 45 state and federal officials.

Thompson claims Boelter carefully planned the attacks by researching the victims, their families and used the internet and other tools to find their addresses and names. He then conducted surveillance of the homes and took notes about the locations.

Furthermore, Thompson said Boelter's primary motive was to "go out and murder people," all of whom were elected officials, but said beyond that it's too speculative to make a determination about his motivation in terms of ideology or specific issues. 

Boelter is facing federal charges, including murder and stalking. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in court on Monday afternoon. Tjhompson said he remains in federal custody. 

The full federal complaint can be read below. 

Prosecutors plan to pursue first-degree murder charges

What they're saying:

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office and other officials held a press conference Monday about the recent state charges filed against Boelter. 

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty explained that on Saturday, prosecutors filed charges of second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder to allow for a nationwide arrest warrant to be issued. 

Now that he's in custody, Moriarty says that her office plans to pursue first-degree murder charges in the case. 

"I want to assure our community and all those who are grieving that we will seek justice and accountability for the victims of all these heinous crimes," said Moriarty. 

Minnesota BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said they are investigating whether anyone else participated in these crimes, or assisted in Boelter's attempts to get away. That information will be provided to prosecutors to determine whether additional charges are appropriate. 

Vance Boelter arrested, charged

Champlin shooting:

According to Hennepin County court documents, just after 2 a.m. on June 14, Champlin police officers responded to a shooting at the Hoffmans' house. The 911 caller reported that a masked person had come to their door and shot their parents. 

Surveillance video from outside their house showed a Ford SUV with "police-style lights" parked in the driveway of the Hoffmans' home, court documents read. The video also showed who is believed to be Boelter wearing a mask, blue shirt, and a police-style tactical vest with a badge and flashlight. 

Boelter then knocked on the door, announced himself as a police officer, then entered the home and shot Sen. Hoffman and Yvette, court documents state. He then fled the home. 

READ MORE: MN lawmaker shootings: Timeline of what of what we know so far

Brooklyn Park shooting:

Charges say a short time later, Brooklyn Park police learned of the shooting in Champlin. Due to the fact that Sen. Hoffman was one of the victims, police sent officers to the home of Rep. Hortman, who lived nearby. 

When police arrived at Hortman's home around 3:30 a.m., they saw the police-style SUV that Boelter was allegedly driving, court documents state. 

Officers then immediately saw Boelter shoot Rep. Hortman's husband, Mark, through the open door of the home, court documents allege.

Police then exchanged gunfire with Boelter as he fled inside the Hortmans' home and escaped the area, court documents say. Inside, officers found Rep. Hortman and her husband dead from gunshot wounds. 

Guns found in Boelter's vehicle

Dig deeper:

According to the criminal complaint, officers searched inside Boelter's vehicle and found at least three AK-47 assault rifles, a 9mm handgun, and a list of names and addresses of other "public officials," court documents state. 

Law enforcement also searched the surrounding area and also located a ballistic vest, a disassembled 9mm firearm, a mask, and a gold police-style badge.

What's next:

Boelter is currently facing state and federal charges for his alleged role in the shooting. He is set to appear in federal court Monday afternoon. 

NewsCrime and Public Safety