Vance Boelter, 57, has been indicted on six federal charges related to the murders of Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman. He is also charged with the shootings of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman, as well as the attempted shooting of their daughter Hope Hoffman. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
“Vance Boelter planned and carried out a night of terror that shook Minnesota to its core,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “He carried out targeted political assassinations the likes of which have never been seen in Minnesota. We grieve with the Hortman family and continue to pray for the recovery of the Hoffmans. Today, a grand jury indicted Boelter with the most serious of federal charges for these heinous political assassinations. Let me be clear: Boelter will see justice.”
Court documents reveal that after extensive planning, Boelter embarked on a violent spree targeting elected officials in Minnesota on June 14, 2025. Disguised as law enforcement, he traveled to Democratic officials’ homes intending to intimidate and kill them. At Senator Hoffman’s residence in Champlin, Minnesota, he posed as a police officer to get them to open their door before shooting Senator Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman and attempting to shoot Hope Hoffman.
Boelter then visited two other officials’ homes but found no one there before proceeding to Representative Melissa Hortman’s home where he killed both her and her husband Mark Hortman. A manhunt ensued for two days until Boelter was arrested near his home in Green Isle, Minnesota.
The defendant faces several charges including stalking and murder which carry potential life sentences or even death penalties.
“Last month, the State of Minnesota experienced fear and panic,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Minneapolis. “Today, Vance Boelter was indicted by a federal grand jury marking another step forward in our pursuit of justice.”
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans remarked on how “Vance Boelter’s evil acts did unspeakable harm” while Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley emphasized that “political violence has no place in our society.”
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt stated that this case showcases collaboration among agencies who worked tirelessly until Boelter’s arrest.
“The path to justice for lives torn apart by Vance Boelter’s actions is far from over,” noted Travis Riddle from ATF St Paul Field Division while Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara expressed gratitude towards all involved law enforcement agencies.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including FBI; ATF; Brooklyn Park Police Department; Minneapolis Police Department; Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office among others with assistance from National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section under strong partnership between U.S Attorney’s Office & Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S Attorneys Harry M Jacobs; Bradley M Endicott; Matthew D Forbes & Daniel W Bobier are prosecuting this case where an indictment remains merely an allegation until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt within court proceedings.
