The man accused of murdering Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband did not enter a plea and will remain in federal custody until his next hearing.
Vance Boelter is facing federal and state charges in the fatal shooting of Hortman and her husband, as well as the shootings of Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, both of whom survived. After his arrest late Sunday night, Boelter made his first appearance in federal court Monday before Magistrate Judge John Docherty in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Boelter was appointed a federal defense attorney after saying he could not afford a private attorney, telling the judge he worked a part-time job. When the judge asked what his income was, he said, “Maybe $540 a week.” Boelter also said he is a homeowner with several vehicles registered in his name, with savings of about $20,000 to $30,000.
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The judge noted that “given the severity of the charges you’re facing, I very much doubt” the savings would cover private counsel.
Boelter will remain in the custody of U.S. marshals until his next hearing. One of the federal prosecutors, Bradley Endicott, said Monday that Boelter demonstrated “not only an intent to flee but the capacity to do so.”