Government shutdown causing delays in Vance Boelter case

Boelter in federal courtBoelter in federal court

The man charged in connection with the deadly attack on Minnesota lawmakers made an appearance in federal court on Wednesday morning.

Vance Boelter faces several charges in both state and federal court in the assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the shootings of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.

In a quick court hearing on Wednesday morning, we learned that the government shutdown is causing delays in the federal case.

The prosecution says they’ve mostly completed their discovery of evidence — turning over 130,000 pages of documents, 825 hours of audio and video, and 2,000 pictures — but Boelter’s defense attorney says there is still a lot of evidence to review.

The defense added that it’s taking longer than usual to download and review evidence due to the government shutdown and asked for a few-month delay in the case.

RELATED: Vance Boelter’s 90 minutes of terror: 4 lawmakers’ homes, 2 shot and 2 killed

Prosecutors say Boelter stalked the victims before disguising himself as a police officer, compelling them to open their doors in the middle of the night.

Boelter had a run-in with police at the Hortman’s home and took off, resulting in the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history.

He pleaded not guilty in August. If found guilty of the federal charges, Boelter could face life in prison or even the death penalty.

More information on the death penalty decision could come in January, with the U.S. attorneys in D.C. and Minnesota being involved.

RELATED: Vance Boelter enters ‘not guilty’ plea at Thursday hearing 

CLICK HERE for more coverage of the shootings of the lawmakers and their spouses.
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