Man who killed top Minnesota lawmaker and her husband makes first state court appearance

Vance Boelter, who is serving federal life sentences for the killings of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, made his initial appearance Monday in state court. He faces similar charges there, with the state case having been on hold pending the resolution of the federal proceedings.

Boelter, 59, pleaded guilty to federal charges in June, nearly a year after the Minneapolis-area attacks. He agreed to the plea deal to avoid the death penalty. The federal charges also included critically wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Boelter is also accused of impersonating a police officer and animal cruelty, as the Hortmans' golden retriever was euthanized after being gravely injured.

During the state court hearing, Boelter questioned the judge about bringing U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar to testify and claimed his rights were violated while in federal custody. Judge Juan Hoyos advised Boelter that his attorney could present such arguments at future hearings. If convicted of the state charges, Boelter could face mandatory life in prison without parole. Minnesota abolished capital punishment in 1911.

The Hoffman family has also filed a personal injury lawsuit against Boelter. His next state court appearance is scheduled for September 2.

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Does this court have the authority to bring her in to testify? Or is she above the law?