NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of assassinating the top Democrat in the Minnesota House held deeply religious and politically conservative views, telling a congregation in Africa two years ago that the U.S. was in a “bad place” where most churches didn’t oppose abortion.

The suspect is accused of fatally shooting Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their home. He also shot Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home — but they survived the attack.