While the state does not have the death penalty, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty told Newsmax that it was appropriate for Attorney General Pam Bondi to bring federal charges against Vance Boelter, accused of killing two people Friday in a politically motivated attack.

Boelter, 57, of Green Isle, Minnesota, was charged by federal complaint with stalking and murdering Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, in addition to stalking and shooting State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.

“I was hoping for those federal charges to be brought for that reason,” Pawlenty said Tuesday on “Wake Up America.” “This is a heinous crime. It was premeditated. He could have had multiple victims.

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