UPDATE: Vance Boelter, the suspect in the shocking shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, has been indicted on six federal charges as of Tuesday. This significant development escalates the case as prosecutors signal that the death penalty could be pursued.
The indictment follows the tragic shooting of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, on June 14, 2025. Investigators report that Boelter, 57, allegedly carried out these brutal attacks in the early morning hours, raising urgent questions about the safety of public officials in the state.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson announced during a press conference that the decision to seek the death penalty will be made in the coming months, leaving it to Attorney General Pam Bondi. The indictment enables federal prosecutors to proceed with the case, which initially arose from a complaint filed last month.
In addition to murder charges, Boelter faces two counts of stalking for allegedly attempting to track down both the former speaker and state Senator John Hoffman, whom he reportedly shot and injured during the same incident. Each murder charge carries a potential sentence of life in prison, alongside state-level charges that Boelter also faces.
New revelations from the unsealed indictment detail Boelter’s disturbing actions leading up to the shootings. Thompson disclosed that Boelter left behind a notebook filled with names of potential targets, indicating a troubling pattern of political extremism.
A handwritten letter addressed to FBI Director Kash Patel was also found, where Boelter made bizarre claims about military training and expressed intentions to harm other political figures, including Minnesota’s U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith. “Yes, I agree,” Thompson responded when asked if these claims were delusional.
The emotional impact of this case is profound, as friends describe Boelter as an evangelical Christian with conservative views who had been struggling with employment. In a recent interview, he denied that his actions were politically motivated, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
The horrific events unfolded around 2 a.m. on June 14, when Boelter, allegedly disguised in a fake police car and tactical gear, targeted lawmakers in their homes. He shot Senator Hoffman nine times and his wife, Yvette, eight times, both of whom survived. Tragically, Boelter later murdered the Hortmans in their home in Brooklyn Park.
Law enforcement was alerted to the shootings and arrived at the Hortman residence just moments before the gunfire erupted. Boelter fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle, which contained weapons, ammunition, and lists of additional political targets.
Authorities launched what has been described as the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history to capture Boelter, who was apprehended approximately 40 hours later, just a mile from his home.
As the case develops, the nation watches closely, with implications that extend beyond Minnesota’s borders. The urgency of this situation continues to resonate, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures for public officials amid rising political violence.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
