UPDATE: Vance Boelter, the suspect in the tragic shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, has been indicted on six federal charges as of Tuesday, moving the case into a critical phase. This indictment comes just months after the devastating incident that left former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, dead on June 14, 2025.
At a press conference, acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson confirmed that prosecutors are considering the death penalty for Boelter, emphasizing that the ultimate decision will rest with Attorney General Pam Bondi. “The decision on whether to pursue the death penalty will not come for several months,” Thompson stated, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The indictment reveals that Boelter, 57, faces charges of murder, stalking, and firearms offenses related to the shootings. He allegedly shot Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, before killing the Hortmans. The stalking charges stem from Boelter’s reported attempts to track these lawmakers, with prosecutors indicating he had also compiled a list of other potential targets. “He left behind a notebook filled with dozens of names,” Thompson added, shedding light on the alarming nature of Boelter’s intentions.
As authorities unsealed additional details from a search warrant, it was revealed that Boelter had penned a disturbing letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, where he confessed to the shootings and made bizarre claims about being trained by the military. “In the letter, Boelter asserts he conducted missions on behalf of the U.S. military,” Thompson reported, dismissing these claims as delusional.
The chilling timeline of events shows Boelter allegedly used a fake police car and tactical gear to approach his victims. At around 2 a.m. on June 14, he shot Senator Hoffman nine times and his wife eight times in their Champlin home. Miraculously, both survived. Shortly after, Boelter proceeded to the Hortman residence in Brooklyn Park, where he fatally shot both Melissa and Mark Hortman.
Investigators discovered evidence of Boelter’s extensive preparations, including a vehicle abandoned near the crime scenes, which contained notebooks with the names and addresses of several Democratic officials. The search for Boelter became one of the largest in Minnesota’s history, culminating in his capture approximately 40 hours later.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the emotional toll on the community is palpable. Friends and colleagues of the Hortmans express deep sorrow and concern over the increasing political violence. “It’s terrifying to think this could happen to anyone,” said a close friend, reflecting the fears shared by many.
Boelter also faces charges at the state level, but the federal case will take precedence. As the community processes this tragedy, more updates are expected in the coming weeks regarding the potential for the death penalty and further details from the investigation. All eyes remain on this developing story as it continues to unfold.