Morning Edition

Writer delves into in accused killer Boelter’s religious background

Two men sit at a table in a courtroom
In this courtroom sketch, Vance Boelter, right, who is charged with killing one Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another, is seen at a federal court hearing on June 16.
Cedric Hohnstadt | AP

Authorities are piecing together what may have led Vance Boelter to hatch a plot to target Minnesota lawmakers. Boelter is accused of killing DFL House Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, in their home in Brooklyn Park. He’s also accused of shooting and seriously wounding Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, in their home in Champlin.

Stephanie McCrummen, a staff writer at The Atlantic, wrote a story that delves into Boelter’s religious background. McCrummen spoke MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition about a movement whose faith leaders speak of spiritual warfare.

To listen to the conversation, click the player above.