MINNEAPOLIS — Vance Luther Boelter, a 57-year-old Minnesota man, faces federal and state charges in a series of targeted shootings that killed Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and critically wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
The attacks, described by authorities as “political assassinations,” have shaken Minnesota and prompted a nationwide debate on political violence.
Boelter was apprehended Sunday night after a two-day manhunt, the largest in state history, ending in a field near his Green Isle home.
According to federal court documents, Boelter executed a meticulously planned assault in the early hours of June 14, 2025.
Disguised as a police officer, complete with a realistic silicone mask, body armor, and a black SUV equipped with emergency lights, Boelter visited the homes of four Democratic lawmakers with the intent to kill.
- Champlin Attack: Around 2 a.m., Boelter knocked on the door of Senator John Hoffman’s home, announcing himself as law enforcement. When the Hoffmans realized he was wearing a mask and confronted him, Boelter opened fire, shooting John nine times and Yvette eight times. Both survived, with Yvette shielding their daughter, Hope, who called 911, alerting authorities.
- Brooklyn Park Attack: At approximately 3:35 a.m., Boelter arrived at Representative Melissa Hortman’s home. Brooklyn Park police, dispatched for a welfare check due to the Hoffman shooting, encountered Boelter firing into the residence. He killed Melissa and Mark Hortman before exchanging gunfire with officers and fleeing on foot, abandoning his SUV.
- Additional Targets: Prosecutors revealed Boelter visited two other lawmakers’ homes that night, including one in Maple Grove, where the resident was on vacation, and another in New Hope, where a police officer’s presence deterred him. These actions likely prevented further casualties.
A notebook found in Boelter’s vehicle contained a “hit list” of 45 to 70 Democratic officials, including Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, and Representative Ilhan Omar, alongside abortion rights advocates.
Handwritten notes detailed surveillance of victims’ homes and families, indicating months of planning.
What We Know About The Shooter
Boelter, a Green Isle resident, presented himself online as a security professional with experience in conflict zones, but investigations by NPR and others found these claims largely fabricated.
His career primarily involved the food service industry, with a brief stint in funeral services.
Appointed to the Minnesota Governor’s Workforce Development Board in 2016 and reappointed in 2019, Boelter served alongside Senator Hoffman, though their relationship remains unclear.
A friend, David Carlson, described Boelter’s security ambitions as “fantasy,” noting his purchase of police-style vehicles for an unlaunched security firm.
Boelter’s social media activity revealed evangelical Christian beliefs and opposition to abortion, alongside support for former President Donald Trump.
A 2022 video showed him discussing food supply projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but his claims of international security work lacked evidence.
Hours before his arrest, Boelter texted friends, apologizing for his actions and suggesting he might die soon.
Legal Proceedings and Community Responses
On June 16, Boelter appeared in federal court in St. Paul, charged with stalking, murder, and firearms offenses, some carrying life imprisonment.
Hennepin County prosecutors filed state charges, including first-degree murder, with a $5 million bail set.
Boelter, unable to afford private counsel, was appointed a federal defender.
His next court date is June 27.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson called Boelter’s actions “the stuff of nightmares,” emphasizing the premeditated nature of the attacks.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi vowed to prosecute “to the fullest extent of the law.”
Governor Tim Walz labeled the shootings “a politically motivated assassination,” ordering flags at half-staff in honor of Hortman, a former House Speaker known for advancing school lunches and paid family leave.
Tributes poured in, with Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth condemning the violence and praising Hortman’s legacy.
Senator Amy Klobuchar shared a statement from Yvette Hoffman, who expressed gratitude for public support: “John is enduring many surgeries… We are both incredibly lucky to be alive.”
A memorial at the State Capitol grew with flowers and signs reading “Rest in Power.”
The attacks have intensified concerns about political violence, with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, also on Boelter’s list, declaring, “We’re not intimidated.”
Security measures for elected officials are under review, and the FBI is investigating whether Boelter acted alone.
As Minnesota grapples with this tragedy, the focus remains on healing and justice. Hortman’s seat, which shifted the House to a one-vote Republican majority, awaits a special election, but leaders from both parties urge unity over partisanship.
Senator Hoffman, still hospitalized, is expected to recover, though his return to legislative duties will take months.
“This was a targeted attack against individuals who answered the call to public service,” said FBI Special Agent Alvin Winston.
“Political violence has no place in this country.”
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