Hennepin County Grand Jury Indicts Vance Boelter On Murder And Attempted Murder Charges

Hennepin County Grand Jury Indicts Vance Boelter On Murder And Attempted Murder Charges

MINNEAPOLIS — August 16, 2025 — A Hennepin County grand jury has indicted Vance Luther Boelter on multiple charges, including first-degree premeditated murder, attempted first-degree murder, animal cruelty, and impersonating a police officer, in connection with the June 14 shootings that left two people dead, several injured, and a community reeling.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty

The indictment, announced Thursday by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, formally charges Boelter with the murders of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman at their Brooklyn Park home, as well as the attempted murders of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette in Champlin.

Vance Boelter at the time of arrest by law enforcement agents on June 15

Boelter is also charged with attempting to kill the Hoffmans’ daughter, Hope Hoffman, and attempting to break into the home of Rep. Kristin Bahner while disguised as a police officer. In addition, prosecutors charged him with felony animal cruelty for fatally shooting the Hortmans’ dog, Gilbert.

“The damage done to the victims — those with us, those who were taken from us, and to our entire community — has opened wounds that will never heal,” Moriarty said. “When Boelter returns to state custody, we will be prepared to prosecute him and hold him accountable to our community.”

Under Minnesota law, a conviction for first-degree premeditated murder carries a mandatory life sentence without parole.

A Night of Violence: June 14

According to investigators, Boelter’s actions were part of a politically motivated string of attacks carried out in the early morning hours of June 14.

• In Champlin, Boelter allegedly entered the home of Sen. John Hoffman and opened fire. Both Hoffman and his wife Yvette were critically injured. Their daughter, Hope Hoffman, was also attacked — prosecutors say Boelter pointed a gun at her and attempted to fire. While she was not struck by bullets, she sustained minor injuries after being thrown against a washing machine. Despite this, Hope managed to call 911, a move law enforcement later credited with saving her parents’ lives and possibly preventing further bloodshed.
• In Brooklyn Park, Boelter allegedly forced his way into the home of Melissa and Mark Hortman, fatally shooting both before killing the couple’s dog. Melissa Hortman, a Democrat and former Speaker of the Minnesota House, was widely respected as a legislative leader.
• Later that morning, Boelter allegedly attempted to break into the Maple Grove home of Rep. Kristin Bahner, yelling “This is the police” while trying to open her door. Bahner was not at home at the time.

Authorities later discovered a manifesto and a target list in Boelter’s possession, naming dozens of elected officials and advocates, which prosecutors say demonstrates the attacks were part of a broader political motive.

State and Federal Cases

The grand jury indictment comes after Boelter was federally indicted in July on six counts, including murder, stalking, and firearms violations. Unlike state law, which mandates life without parole for first-degree murder, the federal charges open the possibility of the death penalty.

Boelter pleaded not guilty in federal court on August 7. Legal experts say the federal case will move forward first, with a trial possibly beginning in 2026 or 2027. Only after federal proceedings conclude would Boelter return to Minnesota custody to face state charges.

A Community in Mourning

The killings of Melissa and Mark Hortman and the attempted assassinations of the Hoffmans stunned Minnesota and drew national attention, sparking grief, outrage, and renewed concerns about political extremism and the safety of elected officials.

Moriarty underscored that the state remains ready to act.

“We will not forget the lives shattered on June 14,” she said. “Justice will be pursued in every courtroom available to us.”

MinneapoliMedia