“Political assassinations are rare,” Thompson said in a news conference. “They strike at the very core of our democracy. But the details of Boelter’s crime are even worse. They are truly chilling. It is no exaggeration to say that his crimes are the stuff of nightmares. Boelter stalked his victims like prey. He went to their homes as a police officer and shot them in cold blood.”

The 20-page complaint filed by the attorney’s office charges Boelter with stalking Hortman using interstate facilities, stalking Hoffman using interstate facilities, murder of Hortman and her husband with a firearm, and two counts of firearm offenses.

The murder of Hortman and her husband is punishable by life in prison. Other charges carry penalties of up to 20 years to life in prison.

Thompson said it is “too early” to tell if Boelter will receive the death penalty. The state of Minnesota abolished the death penalty in 1911, making it one of 23 states that do not use it. However, federal prosecutors can seek the death penalty on federal charges regardless of state laws.

In an earlier press conference, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty sought to assure that justice would be delivered to the victims of this case. She also addressed the rhetoric fueling “political violence” across the nation and urged people to find ways to “support one another.”

MIKE LEE CONDEMNS NC LAWMAKER’S ‘NO KINGS’ VIDEO FEATURING BEHEADED TRUMP

Boelter’s initial court appearance is set for 2:30 EST in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) expressed gratitude to law enforcement on X for their work in apprehending the murder suspect. He has also encouraged people not to turn to violence when addressing the country’s problems.