Charging Documents Unsealed: Boelter Accused in Lawmaker Attacks
A man has been charged in the targeted attacks Saturday morning that left Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark dead and critically wounded Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter dressed as a police officer and used a vehicle equipped with police-style lights to carry out the attacks early Saturday, June 14.
> Sign up for the MN CRIME newsletter
The first shooting was reported just after 2 a.m. at the Hoffman residence in Champlin. A 911 caller told dispatchers that a masked man came to the door and shot their parents. Officers arrived to find both John and Yvette Hoffman suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to the hospital in critical condition. Authorities say both underwent emergency surgery and are now recovering. In a statement, the Hoffman family said, “We continue our healing journey and are humbled by the outpouring of love and support our family has received from across the state and our nation.” John Hoffman was shot nine times and Yvette was shot eight times, according to a message shared by Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Previously: Gunman Posing as Cop Targets Lawmakers in Fatal Overnight Attacks
Video footage from outside the home showed a Ford SUV with police-style lights pulling into the driveway. A man—later identified as Boelter—was seen wearing a mask, blue shirt, and tactical vest with a badge and yellow-handled firearm. He approached the door with a flashlight, knocked, identified himself as a police officer, and opened fire once the door was opened. He then fled in the SUV.
Rep. Melissa Hortman (L) and Sen. John Hoffman
After Boelter’s apprehension Sunday night in Sibley County. Via Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office
The criminal complaint states that just over an hour later, Brooklyn Park police officers proactively responded to the home of Rep. Melissa Hortman after learning about the earlier attack on Hoffman. Officers arrived around 3:35 a.m. and immediately recognized the same Ford SUV parked outside.
As they approached, they saw Boelter—still dressed in apparent police gear—shoot Mark Hortman through the open doorway. Officers exchanged gunfire with Boelter, who retreated inside and managed to escape on foot. Inside the home, officers found both Rep. Hortman and her husband dead from gunshot wounds.
READ MORE > Vance Boelter coverage
A search of the suspect’s SUV left in the driveway and registered to Boelter, revealed three AK-47-style rifles, a 9mm handgun, and a document containing names and addresses of additional public officials. In the surrounding area, officers recovered a disassembled firearm, a ballistic vest, a police-style badge, and a mask. Investigators confirmed that Boelter had purchased at least four of the recovered firearms. Authorities increased security across the Twin Cities, and even cancelled some events scheduled in Brooklyn Park and a planned protest at the Minnesota State Capitol.
Boelter is charged with two counts of second-degree intentional murder in the deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman and two counts of attempted second-degree murder for the shootings of John and Yvette Hoffman. Each charge is a felony with a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Bail has been set at $5 million, and Boelter is expected to make his initial court appearance Monday afternoon.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has said they will seek a 1st degree murder indictment against Boelter. In Minnesota, a grand jury must be convened in cases where the charge carries a potential life sentence.
Boelter fled the scene following the deadly Brooklyn Park shooting, prompting an immediate and expansive manhunt. Investigators say they received more than 400 tips as law enforcement agencies across Minnesota worked to track his movements. A vehicle registered to Boelter was located in rural Sibley County early Sunday morning, along with a discarded hat. Officials said the discovery prompted an intense ground and aerial search in the area.
X: Original thread on the shootings
More than 100 law enforcement officers, including multiple SWAT teams, were deployed throughout the day. Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious as they conducted door-to-door searches and interviews. A nationwide warrant for Boelter’s arrest was issued, along with a federal warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. According to Minnesota BCA Superintendent Drew Evans, Boelter was apprehended near the 35600 block of 200th Street near his home in Green Isle after law enforcement received information that he had been seen in the area. Officials said more than 20 SWAT teams had been deployed to the area, supported by surveillance aircraft. Although he was armed at the time of his arrest, Boelter surrendered without incident. Lt. Col. Jeremy Geiger confirmed that no law enforcement officers were injured during the arrest and no force was used in taking Boelter into custody.
Previously: Man Accused Of Targeting Minnesota Lawmakers Captured Alive In Sibley County
Boelter previously held appointments to the state’s Workforce Development Council, the same board where Sen. John Hoffman once served. It’s not known whether the two had any direct connection.
In addition, Boelter is listed as a “Director of Security Patrols” for a private firm known as Praetorian Guard Security Services. A company biography describes him as having security experience across Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America, including work in Gaza, Southern Lebanon and the West Bank. The same description claims he has received training from both private contractors and U.S. military personnel, and has worked with major global corporations in the energy, food and retail sectors.
Authorities say they have been in contact with U.S. District prosecutors to determine whether additional federal charges are appropriate in connection with the case, given the nature of the attacks.
Authorities have not publicly identified a motive in the shootings, but Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar have both indicated the attacks appear to have been politically driven.
Governor Walz described Rep. Hortman’s killing as a “political assassination” and ordered flags lowered to half-staff in honor of her and her husband.
Governor Walz told reporters during a media briefing Sunday evening, “One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the State of Minnesota. Melissa Hortman was the core of our values. Rest assured we will put every ounce of effort Minnesota has to make sure that justice is served and the individual responsible serves the time for this unspeakable act.”
> See more of our latest coverage
Follow on X or YouTube for more
> Help make MN safer with real-time alerts, LIVE video, 24/7 Safety Agents & much more: Download Citizen now
