Vance Boelter Indicted in Deaths of Minnesota Lawmaker and Spouse

Jul 15

A 57-year-old man has been indicted on federal charges for the politically motivated murders of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, along with the attempted assassination of a sitting state senator and his family.

According to the federal indictment unsealed Tuesday, Vance Boelter is accused of stalking and killing Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman, and of traveling to multiple homes of elected officials with the intent to intimidate or murder.

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Prosecutors say Boelter disguised himself as a police officer and carried out a series of targeted attacks on June 14, beginning at the Champlin home of State Senator John Hoffman.

Boelter allegedly forced the Hoffmans to open their door by impersonating law enforcement, then shot both John and Yvette Hoffman multiple times. He also reportedly attempted to shoot their daughter, Hope Hoffman, but she was not hit. Boelter then traveled to two other addresses linked to state elected officials but did not encounter anyone at either location.

Later that morning, he drove to the Brooklyn Park home of Representative Hortman. There, Boelter shot and killed both Melissa and Mark Hortman. The attack prompted a statewide manhunt that lasted two days. He was arrested in Green Isle, near his family’s property, without further violence.

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Federal authorities describe the shootings as unprecedented political violence. “Boelter planned and carried out a night of terror that shook Minnesota to its core,” Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said, calling the crimes “heinous political assassinations.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Alvin Winston said the incident triggered a manhunt involving hundreds of officers and was “an attack on the rule of law.”

Boelter is charged with six federal counts, including interstate stalking resulting in death and attempted murder. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison or death if convicted.

The indictment also highlights months of planning by Boelter leading up to the shootings, including surveillance of the victims and preparation of a law enforcement disguise to carry out the attacks. He allegedly used these tactics to gain the trust of the victims and ensure they would open their doors before firing.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota in partnership with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, ATF, and multiple police departments across the Twin Cities metro led the investigation.

Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive but described Boelter’s actions as calculated and politically driven. Boelter remains in federal custody pending further court proceedings.

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