Minnesota suspect approached a different lawmaker’s door while she was away on vacation, according to officials

Man Accused of Shooting Minnesota Lawmakers Also Visited Other Homes

The individual charged with the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses on Saturday had also visited the residences of two other lawmakers during the same incidents.

This startling information was shared during a police briefing on Monday. Authorities confirmed that Vance Bolter, the accused, did not enter those additional homes.

Bolter, 57, allegedly impersonated police officers and shot Senator John Hoffman and his spouse, Senator Yvette, with non-lethal projectiles before fatally shooting Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, around 3:30 a.m. in Brooklyn Park.

During the briefing, U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson revealed that Bolter had attempted to gain access to other lawmakers’ homes. “Video footage indicated that Bolter rang the doorbell at one lawmaker’s house at approximately 2:24 a.m. on Friday night,” Thompson noted, though he did not identify the specific lawmakers involved.

“He was dressed in tactical gear, sporting a body armor, and carried a hand gun along with a flashlight, all while wearing a hyper-realistic silicone mask. Fortunately, no lawmakers were present as one had gone on vacation,” Thompson added.

Shortly after, Bolter attempted to approach another house in New Hope, but officers had already responded to the situation and interacted with him before he left. Senator Anne Rest later stated that Bolter had indeed come to her home.

In a concerning twist, law enforcement had taken action following the initial reports of Senator Hoffman’s shooting. The New Hope Police swiftly conducted a wellness check at the residence of another senator, where they discovered Bolter’s SUV parked nearby, but he did not respond to their presence, instead just sitting in the vehicle, staring ahead.

Rest expressed gratitude towards the police for their rapid response, acknowledging their “heroic work” that helped keep her safe.

Bolter will face multiple charges, including federal counts for stalking, two murders involving firearms, and additional firearms-related charges. Additionally, he is facing a second-degree murder accusation in Hennepin County, with prosecutors aiming for first-degree charges.

In the wake of these tragic events, Rest reflected on the loss, stating, “While I am relieved at the arrest of the suspect, my heart is heavy for Melissa and Mark Hortman, and I continue to pray for the recovery of John and Yvette Hoffman.”