Man charged with killing senior Democrat and husband in Minnesota | Court Affairs

The murder of Melissa and Mark Hortman by a man posing as a police officer has sparked concerns about political violence in the US.

Man in Minnesota have pleaded guilty to murdering the speaker of the Democratic House in the Midwest, Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Mark, after knocking on the door of their house posing as a police officer.

The 58-year-old suspect, Vance Boelter, agreed kill Thursday in exchange for a deal with prosecutors not to seek the death penalty in the case. Boelter agreed to a maximum sentence of two consecutive life terms plus 40 years. The government says the deal does not apply to his personal case.

“Political violence is an epidemic plaguing America,” US Attorney Daniel N Rosen told reporters. “Those who commit political violence at any level should take heed: The Department of Justice will seek and obtain the longest possible prison terms for your crimes.”

Sobs were heard in the courtroom where the Hortman family was present. Boelter also reportedly fought Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, both of whom were injured in the attack.

The killing also sent shock waves across the United States political violence Celebrity targeting has grown in recent years.

Boelter donned a smart uniform and drove a police SUV with flashing lights to the homes of several deputies, including one where he knocked but went unanswered.

Also, he was scared when he met a policeman who he believed to be a fellow policeman. Law enforcement later found a list in his car with the names of 45 state officials and lawmakers.

Boelter gave a simple “yes” answer to several questions about his actions from his attorney, including whether he put the gun to Melissa’s head and shot her.

Hoffman and his wife Yvette were both in the courtroom Thursday, sitting next to Hortmans’ relatives.

The attack sparked massive protests police investigation in state history, and Boelter was arrested near his home in Green Isle, about an hour’s drive from Minneapolis, the day after the shooting.