Suspect In Deadly Attack on Minnesota Lawmakers Charged with Political Assassination Plot

Suspect In Deadly Attack on Minnesota Lawmakers Charged with Political Assassination Plot

GREEN ISLE, MN — Authorities arrested and charged 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, of Green Isle, Minnesota, in connection with the politically motivated attacks that left State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman dead, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman critically wounded.

Federal and local officials confirmed that Boelter’s actions were part of a coordinated and premeditated assault targeting Minnesota lawmakers, with the FBI calling it one of the most serious threats to elected officials in state history.

Boelter faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder in Hennepin County, with federal charges including stalking and murder expected to follow.

A Calculated Campaign of Violence

According to a criminal complaint unsealed Saturday, the attacks began around 2:05 a.m. on June 14 in Champlin, MN, where Boelter—dressed in a tactical vest, mask, and police-style badge—allegedly posed as an officer and shot Senator Hoffman and his wife after forcing entry into their home. Surveillance footage showed a Ford SUV with flashing lights arriving before Boelter knocked and falsely identified himself as law enforcement.

Senator Hoffman was shot nine times and remains in critical condition; Yvette Hoffman, shot eight times, also remains hospitalized.

From Champlin, Boelter drove to the Brooklyn Park home of Rep. Melissa Hortman, where officers—alerted by earlier reports—arrived in time to witness the fatal shooting of Mark Hortman. After a brief exchange of gunfire with police, Boelter fled the scene. Officers discovered both Melissa and Mark Hortman deceased inside their home.

Other Lawmakers Targeted

In a Monday press conference, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson revealed that Boelter continued his rampage, visiting the home of another state representative in Maple Grove—who was out of town—and a state senator in New Hope, where police intervened just in time.

A New Hope officer conducting a wellness check spotted what appeared to be Boelter’s SUV disguised as a squad car parked outside.

Inside the suspect’s abandoned vehicle, investigators recovered three AK-47 rifles, a 9mm handgun, a disassembled second firearm, ballistic vests, a police badge, and a handwritten list of political targets, including U.S. Senator Tina Smith and Attorney General Keith Ellison.

Political Motive and Disturbing Evidence

Authorities say Boelter meticulously surveilled his targets, and the recovered notebooks, documents, and gear suggest a long-planned mission aimed at lawmakers who supported abortion rights.

Flyers titled “No Kings” were also found, pointing to anti-government ideology.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the attack “an act of targeted political violence.” U.S. Attorney Thompson described the shootings as “a political assassination,” underscoring the gravity and unprecedented nature of the crime in Minnesota.

The Manhunt and Capture

Boelter was located Sunday evening in a rural field near his Green Isle residence after a 36-hour manhunt involving local SWAT teams, U.S. Marshals, FBI agents, and a State Patrol helicopter.

Authorities say he surrendered without incident, crawling toward officers before being taken into custody.

Who Is Vance Boelter?

Little is publicly known about Boelter’s personal history. He is currently listed as the resident of 20198 341st Ave Green Isle MN 55338 with his wife Jenny Boelter and 5 children.

He previously worked for a Twin Cities-based funeral transport service, Metro First Call, and has claimed ties to Wulff Funeral Home, another funeral intake establishment for 6 funeral homes, the National Cremation Society, and the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office. In social media videos, he referenced transporting decedents from crime scenes, nursing homes, and hospitals to medical examiners offices and cremation sites.

Boelter also posted about traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo, though the purpose of the trip remains unclear.

While no definitive motive has been confirmed, those close to the investigation point to Boelter’s extreme opposition to abortion, obsession with firearms, and a history of paramilitary fascination.

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A State in Mourning

The killings have left Minnesota reeling. Rep. Melissa Hortman, who served as Speaker of the House from 2019–2024, was known for her bipartisan leadership, climate advocacy, and defense of reproductive rights. Her husband, Mark, was an attorney and a beloved community member.

The Minnesota House has suspended official proceedings, and flags across the state are flying at half-staff in memory of the victims.

As tributes pour in and calls for political unity echo across party lines, investigators say the case remains open and further charges are expected.

“This was not just an act of personal rage,” said Gov. Walz. “It was a targeted attack on democracy—and Minnesota will not be intimidated.”

This story is developing. Follow MinneapoliMedia for updates.

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