The Twin Cities home of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, was broken into overnight Wednesday, police reported. The couple was fatally shot early Saturday at their Brooklyn Park residence in what Governor Tim Walz called a “political assassination.” After investigators finished processing the crime scene Sunday, the home was boarded up. Family members retrieved valuables Tuesday, but police later discovered the rear window’s plywood covering had been pried off and broken to gain entry. Investigators searched the home again and found no items missing. Authorities continue to seek the suspect.
Vance Boelter has been formally charged with the shootings of Hortman, her husband, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. According to court documents, Boelter faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder, along with six federal charges including stalking and murder. Boelter was arrested Sunday night near his home after a 36-hour manhunt. The FBI revealed Boelter visited multiple lawmakers’ homes the night of the shootings, including two others who were not harmed. One was on vacation; the other’s home was checked by police after Boelter fled the scene. State Senator Ann Rest confirmed Boelter’s SUV was seen near her home, crediting local police for saving her life. Boelter confronted police at the Hortman home, exchanged gunfire, then forced entry and killed the couple. The investigation and manhunt continue as authorities seek justice.
