A federal grand jury has returned a six-count indictment against 57-year-old Vance Boelter, charging him with the premeditated murders of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman, the attempted assassinations of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman, and the attempted shooting of their daughter, Hope Hoffman.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson, Boelter’s actions constituted “targeted political assassinations” unlike anything Minnesota has previously experienced.
The charges stem from a June 14, 2025, shooting spree in which Boelter, disguised as a police officer, allegedly stalked and attacked high-ranking Democratic officials and their families in multiple Minnesota cities.
A Calculated Night of Violence
Court documents allege Boelter carried out a meticulously planned attack targeting Democratic politicians. Early on the morning of June 14, Boelter appeared at the Champlin residence of Senator Hoffman, posing as law enforcement.
When the Hoffmans answered their door, Boelter allegedly opened fire, critically wounding both the senator and his wife. He then attempted to shoot their daughter, Hope Hoffman, but she escaped injury.
Boelter allegedly then traveled to the homes of two additional elected officials who were not present at the time. He later arrived at the Brooklyn Park home of Rep. Melissa Hortman, where he fatally shot her and her husband, Mark Hortman.
A two-day manhunt followed, ending with Boelter’s arrest near his home in Green Isle, Minnesota.
Federal Charges and Possible Penalties
- Boelter faces six federal charges, including:
- Interstate stalking resulting in death (2 counts),
- Interstate stalking resulting in serious bodily injury (2 counts),
- Interstate stalking (1 count), and
- Attempted killing of a family member of a federal official (1 count).
Each charge carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment or, in some cases, the death penalty.
Officials Condemn “Reign of Terror”
“This indictment marks another step forward in our pursuit of justice,” said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr., calling the crimes “an attack on the rule of law.”
He credited a joint effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies for Boelter’s apprehension.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans described the crimes as “evil acts” that left the state in terror, while Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt emphasized the collaborative manhunt that led to Boelter’s capture.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley was unequivocal: “Political violence has no place in our society and Boelter will be held accountable.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle also weighed in, stating the indictment signals a move “from fear and chaos toward accountability.”
Investigation and Prosecution
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs, Bradley M. Endicott, Matthew D. Forbes, and Daniel W. Bobier, with support from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Investigating agencies include the FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, ATF, Minneapolis Police Department, Brooklyn Park Police Department, Champlin Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and New Hope Police Department.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara emphasized that Boelter’s impersonation of law enforcement “undermined trust in police” and endangered public safety on a broad scale.
Legal Process Ahead
Boelter remains in federal custody. His indictment serves as a formal allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. A trial date has not yet been announced.
Minnesota leaders and federal prosecutors say they remain committed to justice and public safety, calling the attack not just a personal tragedy for the victims but a direct assault on democracy.
