Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old from Green Isle, Minnesota, has been charged with stalking and murdering Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband. He is also accused of stalking and shooting Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced the charges.
According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, Boelter executed a plan to harm Minnesota elected officials and their families. Disguised as a law enforcement officer, he went to Senator Hoffman's home where he shot both the senator and his wife after they opened the door.
Boelter then visited other elected officials' homes but failed to make contact. His next target was Representative Hortman's home. Local law enforcement arrived for a safety check following the Hoffman incident and found Boelter outside the Hortman residence in a vehicle resembling a police car. He fired multiple shots into the house, killing both Mr. and Mrs. Hortman.
A subsequent search of Boelter's vehicle uncovered firearms, ammunition, and notebooks listing various officials' names and addresses. A two-day manhunt involving federal, state, and local agencies led to Boelter's capture near his home.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated that these acts "have shocked the nation" and vowed that justice would be pursued fully against Boelter if convicted.
Acting United States Attorney Joe Thompson described the incident as "targeted political assassinations," emphasizing its impact on democracy in Minnesota.
FBI Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr., praised law enforcement coordination in capturing Boelter without further incidents.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Whitt expressed gratitude towards all agencies involved in seeking justice for the victims while acknowledging community trauma.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley highlighted the unprecedented nature of this manhunt in Minnesota.
ATF Special Agent Travis Riddle condemned the violence as an unacceptable act of political aggression against public servants.
Boelter is scheduled for an initial appearance before Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty in U.S. District Court today. The investigation was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies including FBI Minneapolis, ATF St. Paul Field Division, Brooklyn Park Police Department among others with assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S Attorneys Harry M Jacobs, Bradley M Endicott Matthew D Forbes Daniel W Bobier The defendant remains innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court
