Minnesota Lawmakers Targeted: Hortmans Lie in State, Suspect Appears in Court

Memorial for the Hortmans

• 🕯️ Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert are lying in state at the Minnesota capital.
• 💔 Gilbert, their golden retriever, was gravely wounded in the shooting and had to be euthanized, and will lie in state with them.
• 👥 Members of the public can pay their respects until 5:00 p.m. today.

Suspect's Court Appearance

• ⚖️ The accused gunman, Vance Bolter, appeared in federal court today, facing charges including murder and stalking.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Bolter's public defender requested a continuance, citing his client's poor mental and physical condition, including being on suicide watch.
• 😴 Bolter addressed the judge, stating he had not slept for 12-14 days and needed rest.
• 🗓️ A plea is not expected until next week, with July 3rd being the likely date for further proceedings.

Investigation Details and Motive

• 🎯 Authorities are calling the attack targeted, with evidence suggesting a hit list of over 50 lawmakers, mostly Democrats, and abortion rights advocates.
• 🚨 Bolter is accused of disguising himself as a police officer during the attack.
• 🏠 He reportedly went to a total of four homes in the middle of the night.
• 🏥 Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and wounded in the incident; they survived.
• 🔍 The FBI indicates Bolter had lawmakers from at least three other states on his hit list.