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Melissa Hortman

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Boelter pleads guilty, gets two consecutive life sentences in Minnesota political violence case
crime1 month ago

Boelter pleads guilty, gets two consecutive life sentences in Minnesota political violence case

Vance Boelter pleaded guilty in federal court to murder, stalking and firearms charges tied to the killings of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, plus an attack on Sen. John Hoffman and his family, and agreed to two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years in exchange for prosecutors not seeking the death penalty. He admitted planning the attacks for months, disguising himself as a police officer, and shooting Hortman at point-blank range, with state charges also mandating life without parole for first-degree premeditated murder.

Minnesota killer pleads guilty in federal case, avoiding death penalty with life terms
crime-and-justice1 month ago

Minnesota killer pleads guilty in federal case, avoiding death penalty with life terms

Vance Boelter pleaded guilty in a Minneapolis federal court to murder, stalking, and firearms offenses tied to the rampage that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Under a plea deal approved by the acting U.S. attorney general, Boelter faces two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years, with the death penalty removed. He had disguised himself as a police officer during the shootings and was captured after a 43-hour manhunt; he still faces state murder charges separate from the federal case.

Feds drop death-penalty bid in Boelter plea over Minnesota political killings
crime1 month ago

Feds drop death-penalty bid in Boelter plea over Minnesota political killings

U.S. prosecutors say they will not pursue the death penalty against Vance Luther Boelter as part of a plea agreement in the 2025 shootings targeting Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Boelter, 58, was captured the day after the attack and faces federal and state murder and attempted murder charges; Minnesota has long abolished capital punishment, and the terms of the plea were not disclosed as a change-of-plea hearing is scheduled.

Special Election to Fill Slain Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman's Seat
politics9 months ago

Special Election to Fill Slain Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman's Seat

A special election in Minnesota is underway to replace the late Melissa Hortman, a former House speaker murdered in a politically motivated attack, highlighting concerns over political violence. Democratic candidate XP Lee, emphasizing community healing and legacy, is favored to win in a closely divided district, while Republican Ruth Bittner focuses on safety and government efficiency. The election underscores ongoing tensions and the impact of political violence on local politics.

Trump claims he was not asked to lower flags for slain Minnesota lawmaker
politics10 months ago

Trump claims he was not asked to lower flags for slain Minnesota lawmaker

President Trump stated he would have ordered flags to be lowered in honor of slain Minnesota Democrat Melissa Hortman if asked, criticizing the lack of such action from the White House after her death and her husband's. He also linked political violence primarily to the radical left, citing incidents involving Republicans and blaming leftist groups for causing violence, while omitting recent attacks targeting Democrats.

Special election in Minnesota highlights concerns over political violence after lawmaker's death
politics10 months ago

Special election in Minnesota highlights concerns over political violence after lawmaker's death

A special election in Brooklyn Park will fill the seat left vacant by the late Melissa Hortman, with candidates XP Lee and Ruth Bittner acknowledging they cannot replace her unique legacy. The community remains emotionally affected by the recent violence, and the election's outcome will influence party control of the Minnesota House, with a special session planned to address issues like gun violence.

Vance Boelter Indicted on Federal Murder Charges in Minnesota Lawmakers' Killings
crime1 year ago

Vance Boelter Indicted on Federal Murder Charges in Minnesota Lawmakers' Killings

Vance Boelter was indicted on federal charges for the planned attack that resulted in the killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the shooting of State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, with some charges potentially carrying the death penalty. Boelter, heavily armed and dressed as a police officer, targeted Minnesota lawmakers in a premeditated campaign of violence, which is still under investigation.

Tributes Pour in for Slain Minnesota Lawmaker and Husband
politics1 year ago

Tributes Pour in for Slain Minnesota Lawmaker and Husband

Gilbert, the beloved dog of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, was honored with a rare 'lie in state' at the Capitol after being fatally shot in a tragic attack that also killed Hortman and her husband. Gilbert is believed to be the first nonhuman to receive such an honor, highlighting the deep bond between pets and their owners. The attack, carried out by Vance Boelter, also injured a senator and his wife, and has prompted widespread mourning and tributes.