An attorney for the alleged Minnesota lawmaker assassin wouldn't tell the Star Tribune whether he intends to pursue a mental health defense.

In a letter to the FBI director, Boelter wrote that the governor had instructed him to kill two U.S. senators, officials said.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said the indictment includes a "notice of special findings," which he says is the first step in seeking the death penalty.

Vance Boelter plans to plead not guilty to charges he killed former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband after wounding Rep. John Hoffman and his wife, his attorney said.

He has been charged with the murder of Melissa and Mark Hortman, and in the shooting of John and Yvette Hoffman, and the attempted shooting of their daughter.

Federal prosecutors on Tuesday are expected to a grand jury indictment against Vance Boelter, the man accused of shooting two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said the indictment includes a "notice of special findings," which he says is the first step in seeking the death penalty.

The daughter of state Rep. John Hoffman issued a statement following a federal indictment against the accused assassin.

Alleged assassin Vance Boelter has obtained an out-of-state public defender to serve as co-counsel in his federal court case, days after he was formally indicted in the shootings of two Minnesota politicians and their spouses.