DFL State Representative Kristen Bahner of Maple Grove is now confirming that she too had been targeted by Vance Boelter on Saturday but was not home at the time. Boelter is the main suspect after former Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, and State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were seriously injured in a shooting.
It was reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office Monday that Boelter allegedly visited two other lawmaker's homes early Saturday morning. State Sen. Ann Rest confirmed that a New Hope Police officer was doing a wellness check when Boelter was in the area.
Now Bahner confirms she was the fourth lawmaker targeted. Boelter allegedly had a list showing 45 names.
At about 2:24 a.m., Boelter arrived at Bahner's home in Maple Grove. That's approximately 10 miles away from the Hoffman house. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson said that Boelter rang the doorbell and said "This is the police. Open the door. This is the police. We have a warrant," describing it as "the stuff of nightmares.
Bahner wasn't home at the time and is citing "divine intervention" that led her family to change their plans. Thompson said when nobody answered, Boelter left.
In a statement Bahner thanks the city's police chief, lead detective and the entire department for their excellent care allowing them to continue to feel safe in their own home, as well as the countless law enforcement members who played a role in ensuring Vance Boelter will face justice.
Here is Bahner's full statement:
“I am devastated by the loss of my leader, mentor and friend, Melissa, and her husband Mark. I would walk through fire to follow Melissa. She was strong and steadfast, she believed in cutting through to the essence of what was important. She never wavered from placing the people of Minnesota at the center of our work. I am so grateful to Mark and her children for lending her to us in service. I know your grief and sorrow is immense. I wish you solace and comfort in knowing God lent us all an incredible gift in the form of these two beautiful souls.
“I continue to keep my dear friend Senator Hoffman, his wife Yvette, and his daughter Hope, in my constant thoughts and prayers. I know we will once again spar in the halls of the Capitol my friend, I look forward to the next great debate.
“The past several days have been surrounded by so much grief and fear. This senseless violence came to my door as well, placing me and my family in harm’s way. I do not know why this man was filled with such hatred that he would come to my door; divine intervention led my family to change our plans keeping us safe.
“I want to thank my Chief and the lead detective on my case and the entire Maple Grove Police Department for their excellent care allowing us to continue to feel safe in our own home. I want to thank the countless members of law enforcement who played a role in ensuring this man will face justice. And I am thankful for my incredible neighbors who watched vigil over my home and my family.
“Over the past several days, I have spent time shielding my family from grief and worry, in the hope that they can remain unscathed. Yet these events rarely leave us without marks; they will forever change us.
“There is no answer to this senseless violence. I know Melissa would have grounded us in how we come together to lean on one another, find a way to lift each other up, and strengthen Minnesota for all of our neighbors.
“I know for my part my resolve to honor her legacy by serving my state and my community remains steadfast, and unwavering. My response to bad trouble visiting my door will be met with good trouble. I will continue to lead for my community and work to improve the lives of all Minnesotans.
“We will not let fear or division win. Melissa has set a high bar, placing the work in our hands to make the world a better place.”