Minnesota Political Assassination Suspect Pleads Not Guilty

Vance Luther Boelter, 58, of Green Isle, Minnesota, stood before a federal court on Thursday, pleading not guilty to charges related to the assassinations of Minnesota's house speaker and her husband. The incident also involved the attempted murder of a state senator and his wife.

Following a two-day pursuit after the shootings in New Hope, Minnesota, Boelter was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dulce Foster. The six-count indictment includes serious charges, two of which may lead to the death penalty. His plea comes as federal prosecutors deliberate over pursuing a capital sentence.

Boelter is accused of masquerading as a police officer during the attacks. His state-level charges are on hold as the federal proceedings continue. No immediate statements have been released by his attorney, Manny Atwal, or Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson.

(With inputs from agencies.)