Vance Boelter, a 58-year-old Minnesota man, pleaded guilty on Thursday to the murder of former state house speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Boelter also injured Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, in the shooting.

Politically Motivated Assassination

According to federal prosecutors, Boelter acted alone and researched his victims to gather information about them. He disguised himself as a law enforcement officer, wearing a silicone face mask, tactical vest, and body armor on the night of the shootings.

Boelter pleaded guilty in exchange for a deal that would take the death penalty off the table. Prosecutors recommended a sentence of two consecutive life terms, plus 40 years.

The shooting was described as a politically motivated assassination, with Boelter targeting the victims due to their political affiliations. The incident has sparked concerns about the rise of political violence in the country.

U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen stated, ‘Political violence is a scourge in our nation. We now expect Vance Boelter will spend the rest of his natural life in prison without parole.’

The Hoffman family released a statement, saying, ‘There is no justice for Mark and Melissa Hortman, and there is no justice when our family and our state will never truly heal.’ They emphasized the need for respect, kindness, and unity in the face of such tragedies.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.