According to the New York Post, Boelter texted his wife and other family members around 6:15 a.m. Saturday, in a group thread, writing: "Dad went to war last night … I don't wanna say more because I don't wanna implicate anybody." The message came shortly after his targeted attacks on Democratic lawmakers left two dead and two injured.

Federal prosecutors have charged Boelter in connection with the murder of former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as the non-fatal shooting of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. The horrific attacks have shocked Minnesota and drawn national attention to political violence.

Meticulously Planned Political Assassinations

Investigators discovered detailed notebooks in Boelter's possession that revealed extensive planning for the attacks. His handwritten notes contained information about multiple politicians he had apparently targeted, showing he had conducted significant research on his victims.

The notebooks included specific details about Hortman, noting she was "married Mark 2 children 11th term" and describing her residence as a "Big house off golf course 2 ways in to watch from one spot." Prosecutors say Boelter had also compiled information from Internet-based people search engines that aggregate personal data.

After attacking Hoffman and his wife, Boelter reportedly attempted to target two other lawmakers. One unidentified legislator wasn't home, while state Sen. Ann Rest was protected by police presence outside her residence. He then proceeded to the Hortman home, where he fatally shot the former House Speaker and her husband.

Flight Attempt With Family Preparations

After committing the shootings, Boelter appeared to have prepared for a potential escape with his family. When authorities stopped his wife's vehicle during their manhunt, they discovered concerning items suggesting flight preparations.

Law enforcement found $10,000 in cash and passports for Boelter's wife and some of their children inside the vehicle. According to court documents, the family includes five children, who were reportedly in the car with their mother at the time of the traffic stop.

In a separate apologetic message to his wife sent around the same time as his "went to war" text, Boelter warned: "Words are not gonna explain how sorry I am for this situation … there's gonna be some people coming to the house armed and trigger-happy and I don't want you guys around."

Suspect's Post-Attack Actions Revealed

Hours after the shootings, Boelter took steps to evade capture while leaving puzzling evidence behind. His movements showed both calculated planning and bizarre behavior as authorities closed in.

Wearing a cowboy hat as a disguise, Boelter visited a local bank and emptied an account in his name. He used some of the withdrawn funds to purchase an old Buick and an e-bike from an unidentified individual, apparently seeking alternative transportation methods to avoid detection.

The abandoned Buick was later discovered on Highway 25 early Sunday, containing a note addressed to the FBI. The letter, signed "Dr. Vance Luther Boelter," included a confession stating he was "the shooter at large in Minnesota involved in the 2 shootings the morning of Saturday June 15th." Court documents noted that while Boelter claimed a doctorate on his LinkedIn profile, the university he cited closed in 2023.

Suspect Faces Severe Legal Consequences

Boelter now faces both federal and state charges for the politically motivated attacks that have devastated Minnesota's legislative community. The severity of the charges could potentially result in capital punishment if convicted.

The 57-year-old suspect made his first federal court appearance Monday afternoon, where a judge ordered him held without bail. The case has drawn significant attention not only for the high-profile nature of the victims but also for the apparent political motivation behind the attacks.

Authorities finally captured Boelter about a mile from his family home after an extensive manhunt. His targeting of Democratic lawmakers, detailed planning, and cryptic messages to the family have raised serious concerns about political violence as federal prosecutors build their case against the alleged assassin.