Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : A Minnesota man is in custody following a shocking shooting incident that authorities believe was a politically motivated attack targeting a prominent Democratic lawmaker. The suspect, identified as Vance Boelter, allegedly shot the lawmaker’s father-in-law in a case of mistaken identity.
The incident targeted the family of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. According to charging documents, Boelter was deeply angered by Rep. Hortman's political positions, particularly her support for firearm restrictions known as "red flag" laws. He had previously sent her a series of threatening emails expressing his rage.
Investigators allege that Boelter’s anger escalated into violence when he drove to the Hortman family residence in St. Paul. There, he reportedly saw Rep. Hortman’s 82-year-old father-in-law, Thomas Hortman, doing yard work. Mistaking him for the lawmaker's husband, Boelter allegedly shot the elderly man before fleeing the scene.
Fortunately, Thomas Hortman survived the attack and is expected to recover from his injuries.
Following the shooting, law enforcement tracked Boelter to a different location, leading to a tense standoff. After several hours, police successfully took him into custody without further incident.
Boelter is now facing severe charges, including first-degree attempted murder. The case highlights the dangerous reality of political rhetoric turning into real-world violence and the risks faced not only by public officials but also by their families.
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