Vance Boelter indicted for political assassinations targeting Minnesota officials

Webp 0md2zcjf6ue3fzcpcxozq20io05i
Joseph H. Thompson, U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota | Department of Justice

Vance Boelter indicted for political assassinations targeting Minnesota officials

ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY

Vance Boelter, 57, has been indicted on six federal charges related to the stalking and murders of Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman. He is also charged with the stalking and shooting 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."

According to court documents, Boelter engaged in extensive planning before targeting elected officials in Minnesota on June 14, 2025. Disguised as law enforcement, he visited the homes of Democratic officials intending to intimidate and murder them.

The indictment alleges that Boelter first traveled to Champlin, Minnesota, where he posed as a police officer at the Hoffmans' residence, compelling them to open their door before shooting Senator Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman. He then attempted to shoot their daughter Hope Hoffman.

Boelter continued his actions by visiting other officials' homes but found no one present. He later went to Representative Melissa Hortman's home where he fatally shot both her and her husband Mark.

After a two-day manhunt, law enforcement arrested Boelter near his family residence in Green Isle, Minnesota. He faces charges including maximum penalties up to life imprisonment or death.

Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Minneapolis commented: “Last month, the State of Minnesota experienced fear and panic... This targeted violence was an attack on the rule of law.”

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans stated: “Vance Boelter’s evil acts did unspeakable harm.”

Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley added: “Political violence has no place in our society.”

Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt remarked: “Today marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of justice."

Travis Riddle from ATF St Paul Field Division said: "What began as fear and chaos is now moving toward accountability."

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara noted: "His conduct endangered safety... undermined trust in police."

This case results from an investigation conducted by multiple agencies including FBI; Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; ATF; Brooklyn Park Police Department; Minneapolis Police Department; Hennepin County Sheriff's Office among others with assistance from National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.

Assistant U.S Attorneys Harry M Jacobs Bradley M Endicott Matthew D Forbes Daniel W Bobier are prosecuting this case while emphasizing that an indictment remains merely an allegation until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt within legal proceedings

ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY