>>Lawmaker’s Shooter Facing Both State and Federal Charges
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson has revealed that fifty-seven-year-old Vance Boelter (BELL-tur), the man accused of killing Representative Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and gravely shooting and injuring Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, actually visited two other state politicians homes on Saturday, and had forty-five names of Minnesota leaders on his list. He says, “It is no exaggeration to say that his crimes are the stuff of nightmares. Boelter stalked his victims like prey. He went to their homes, held out as a police officer, and shot them in cold blood.” Thompson says Boelter faces six federal charges: two counts of stalking, two counts of murder, and two counts for shooting and injuring people. He says the death penalty is on the table. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says her office will be filing first-degree murder charges as well.
Boelter made his first court appearance this afternoon.
>>Capitol Security Tightened After Weekend Lawmaker Shootings
(St. Paul, MN) – Security is tighter at the state capitol following the weekend shootings of two lawmakers and their spouses. The legislative members of the Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security issued a statement saying they “Are committed to continue working alongside our law enforcement partners and our colleagues in both the House and Senate to ensure the safety of everybody participating in our democratic process in St. Paul.” The release added that out of an abundance of caution, the committee members are not conducting any interviews on the topic of Capitol security at this time.
>>Senator Issues Statement Following Arrest of Shooting Suspect
(St. Paul, MN) – Federal authorities announced the suspect in the weekend shootings visited a total of four homes of state lawmakers. DFL Senator Ann Rest stated that she had been made aware that the shooting suspect was parked near her home early Saturday morning. She said, “I am so grateful for the heroic work of the New Hope Police Department and its officers. Their quick action saved my life.” Rest also said she is grieving the loss of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and is praying for the recovery of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
>>Senator Mitchell’s Criminal Trial Delayed
(Detroit Lakes, MN) — A Becker County District Court Judge has approved a delay for the trial of State Senator Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury, Minnesota. Attorneys for Democrat Nicole Mitchell requested a trial delay following the weekend shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers, including the fatal shooting of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband. They cited respect for the victims and a need to ease political tensions. Prosecutor Brian McDonald did not object. Mitchell was arrested in April 2024 after allegedly breaking into her stepmother’s home, claiming she was retrieving her late father’s belongings, including his ashes. A new trial date has not been set. This is the second delay in the case.
>>Duluth Murder Victim I’D
(Duluth, MN) — Duluth Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning. Around 1:30 a.m., officers discovered a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. A second man was also targeted but was not injured. The victim, 37-year-old Cody Telega of Duluth, later died at the hospital. Two suspects, 35-year-old Antonio Hendon and 41-year-old Amber Walker, were arrested. Hendon faces charges of second-degree murder and assault, while Walker is charged with aiding and abetting murder. Authorities say all individuals involved knew each other and believe a previous incident may have triggered the violence.
>>Clay County Murder Indictment
(Moorhead, MN) — A Clay County grand jury has indicted 35-year-old Jerome Thomas III in the April 13 murder of James Hamilton, 39, outside a home in Moorhead. Thomas is now charged with first-degree premeditated murder, drive-by shooting, and attempted first-degree murder, among other charges. A district court judge has set bail for Thomas at $6 million with no conditions. Hamilton was shot and killed in the driveway of a home in South Moorhead. A woman who prosecutors say was with Thomas at the time of the shooting is charged as an accomplice. 32-year-old Abby Fredrickson and Thomas were arrested the day after the shooting in Michigan. Fredrickson is a psychiatrist who most recently worked for a Chicago-based behavioral health company.
>>The Blenders Announce Farewell to Holiday Tour
(Fargo, ND) — The popular vocal quartet The Blenders is preparing to say goodbye to a cherished tradition. This December’s Holiday Soul Tour will mark the final run of their long-standing holiday concert series. While the Fargo-based group isn’t disbanding, members say they’ll scale back performances, appearing occasionally at select shows and private events. Since 2002, The Blenders have brought their signature harmonies to Christmas audiences annually, pausing only during the two years impacted by the COVID pandemic. Farewell tour dates have been announced for Fargo and Minneapolis, with an additional show in Iowa planned. Ticket details are expected to be released soon.
