MN lawmaker shootings: Vance Boelter appearing in federal court Thursday

Vance Boelter hearing delayed after complaints about jail conditions

Vance Boelter had his hearing delayed after his lawyer complained about the conditions in the Sherburne County Jail where he currently is. FOX 9's Paul Blume has the latest.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Vance Boelter, the man accused of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses last month, is back in federal court on Thursday. 

Court appearance 

The backstory:

Boelter is the suspected gunman in the shootings that killed Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark and their dog Gilbert. He’s also accused of injuring Minnesota lawmaker John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

In a federal court appearance on June 27, Boelter appeared wearing a padded, full-body green garment with Velcro around his shoulders, known as a suicide prevention vest. The hearing was meant to determine if Boelter would be eligible for bail, but his attorney asked for the hearing to be continued.

"Your honor, I haven’t really slept in 12-14 days. I am not suicidal now, never been suicidal," Boelter told the judge, 

His attorney also argued he’s in the Sherburne County Jail under "horrible conditions," with lights on at all hours, a mat with no pillow to sleep on and doors constantly slamming. The judge granted a continuance, moving the hearing to Thursday, July 3. 

The hearing is expected to determine whether there is probable cause to proceed with the case, and if he should stay in custody without bail. The hearing is scheuled for 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.

‘He’s not in a hotel, he’s in jail’

What they're saying:

Sherburne County Sheriff Joel Brott had plenty to say about Boelter’s comments in the hours after his court hearing on Friday.

"On a day when hundreds of grieving Minnesotans waited in long lines to pay their respects to Melissa and Mark Hortman, it’s offensive and disgusting that the man accused of assassinating them stood before a federal judge and painted himself the victim. 

"Claims made in court that deplorable jail conditions have prevented the alleged assassin from getting any sleep, and therefore require a continuance in the criminal case against him, are absurd… He’s not in a hotel, he’s in jail."

Boelter faces federal charges, including two counts of murder, using a firearm in furtherance of the crimes, and stalking. He could face the death penalty if convicted. 

He is also facing second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder charges in Hennepin County.