Vance Boelter pleads guilty to murder of Minnesota lawmaker and her husband

Vance Luther Boelter, 58, pleaded guilty to federal charges including murder and firearms offenses in connection with the killings of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. During a court hearing in Minneapolis, Boelter admitted to planning the murders months in advance and disguised himself as a police officer during the shootings. He also wounded Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in a separate incident. The court accepted a plea deal that resulted in two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years, removing the possibility of the death penalty. The plea agreement was approved by Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche. Boelter was captured after a 43-hour manhunt following the shootings, which were described as a planned campaign of violence against members of the Minnesota state legislature. He still faces state charges, including first-degree premeditated murder.