Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man In Killings Of Former MN House Speaker Melissa Hortman And Husband

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man In Killings Of Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman And Husband

A federal grand jury has indicted 57-year-old Vance Boelter in connection with the June 14 killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, and the attempted assassination of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman.

Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, Joe Thompson, speaking to reporters: Courtesy AP

The indictment, unsealed this week, charges Boelter with multiple federal offenses, including murder, attempted murder, interstate stalking, and illegal possession of firearms. The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed the charges stem from what officials describe as a politically motivated rampage that has shaken Minnesota and drawn national attention.

A Calculated Attack

Authorities say Boelter—armed, masked, and impersonating a law enforcement officer—first approached the Hoffman residence in Champlin during the early hours of June 14. Senator Hoffman was shot nine times and his wife Yvette eight times. Miraculously, both survived.

Shortly afterward, Boelter allegedly drove to Brooklyn Park, where he fatally shot Melissa and Mark Hortman in their home. Their family dog was also gravely injured and later euthanized.

Vance Boelter, above, currently in custody. Photo courtesy Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office

The federal charges pertain specifically to the deaths of the Hortmans. Prosecutors have not ruled out additional federal counts related to the attack on the Hoffmans.

Trail of Evidence

In Boelter’s abandoned vehicle, authorities recovered a disturbing cache: five loaded firearms, tactical gear, a rubber mask, a fake law enforcement badge, and handwritten notes that included a list of Democratic politicians. Also discovered was a bizarre letter addressed to FBI Director Kash Patel, in which Boelter claimed to have been "trained off the books" by the U.S. military and contracted by Governor Tim Walz to assassinate members of Congress. Officials have categorically dismissed those claims as delusional.

“This was not only a premeditated act of political violence—it was an attempted assassination of elected officials in their own homes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson. “This has no precedent in Minnesota’s history.”

Boelter was arrested without incident on June 15 in the St. Cloud area.

Federal Charges and the Death Penalty

Although Minnesota abolished the death penalty in 1911, federal law permits capital punishment. Prosecutors have confirmed that the U.S. Attorney General’s Office is reviewing the case for potential death penalty certification. A decision is expected later this year.

Boelter also faces separate state charges in Hennepin County, but federal prosecution will take precedence.

Survivors and Tributes

Senator Hoffman remains in a rehabilitation facility. His wife, Yvette, has been discharged and is continuing her recovery at home. The Hoffmans released a joint statement expressing profound grief at the loss of their friends and colleagues, and gratitude for the outpouring of public support.

Melissa Hortman, 53, served in the Minnesota House from 2005 to 2023 and was Speaker from 2019 to 2023. Known as a fierce advocate for equity, education, and the environment, she was widely regarded as one of the most influential legislative leaders in state history.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Minneapolis to attend a public memorial service held at the State Capitol on June 28. Governor Tim Walz, in a eulogy, called Hortman “the most consequential Speaker in Minnesota history.”

A Chilling Reminder

The killings have reignited a national conversation around political violence and democratic safety.

“We cannot normalize this,” said Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy. “Public service should not come with a target on your back.”

Federal officials continue to investigate whether Boelter acted alone or if others were aware of his plans. His arraignment in federal court is expected within days.

MinneapoliMedia will continue to follow this developing story.

If you or someone you know has information related to this case, please contact the FBI Minneapolis Field Office at (763) 569-8000.

Sources:
Associated Press, The Guardian, WOWT, U.S. Department of Justice

MinneapoliMedia