Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old resident of Green Isle, Minnesota, faces federal charges for the stalking and murder of Melissa Hortman, former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, and her husband. He is also charged with the stalking and shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced these charges following a two-day manhunt.
According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, Boelter allegedly executed a plan targeting elected officials in Minnesota. Disguised as a police officer and armed with firearms and body armor, he approached Senator Hoffman’s residence under false pretenses before shooting both Hoffman and his wife.
Boelter’s next target was Representative Melissa Hortman’s home. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found Boelter at the scene firing into the residence, fatally wounding both Mr. and Mrs. Hortman before fleeing.
Authorities later discovered multiple firearms in Boelter’s vehicle along with notes listing addresses of various state officials. A coordinated law enforcement effort across federal, state, and local agencies led to Boelter’s capture near his home in Green Isle on June 15.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi expressed determination to prosecute: “The horrific targeted murders…have shocked the nation…The Department of Justice will prosecute this suspect to the fullest extent.”
Acting United States Attorney Joe Thompson described it as “targeted political assassinations,” emphasizing its impact on democracy.
FBI Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr., remarked on the unprecedented nature of this case: “This marked the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history…the FBI remains steadfast in our pursuit of justice.”
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Whitt stated gratitude towards cooperating agencies: “Our community is shaken by this violence which strikes at the very heart of our democracy.”
ATF Special Agent Travis Riddle underscored their role: “We extend our deepest condolences…ATF brought forward key investigative resources.”
Boelter will appear before Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty today in U.S District Court as investigations continue involving several law enforcement bodies including FBI Minneapolis Bureau ATF Brooklyn Park Police Department among others collaborating closely with U.S Attorney Hennepin County offices handling prosecution responsibilities undertaken by Assistant U.S Attorneys Harry Jacobs Bradley Endicott Matthew Forbes Daniel Bobier leading legal proceedings presuming innocence until proven otherwise beyond doubt legally confirmed courts adjudicating matters therein involved conclusively eventually reaching resolution through due process channels established jurisdictional frameworks operationally engaged contextually overall collectively…
