Alleged Minnesota Assassin Faces Life In Prison or Death Penalty In Targeted Attack On Minnesota Lawmakers
Charlie Kirk Staff
06/16/2025

Federal authorities have filed multiple charges against Vance Luther Boelter, 57, in connection with the targeted and attempted shootings of current and former Minnesota elected officials and their spouses. Boelter was arrested Sunday night in Sibley County following what law enforcement described as the largest manhunt in Minnesota history.
Boelter is charged in federal court with two counts of stalking, two counts of murder, and two firearms-related offenses. In addition, Hennepin County prosecutors have filed second-degree murder charges and announced plans to pursue upgraded first-degree murder charges, Fox News reports.
Authorities say Boelter carried out a coordinated series of attacks beginning early Saturday. He allegedly posed as law enforcement and arrived at the Champlin home of State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Dressed in tactical gear and wearing body armor, Boelter carried a Beretta 9 mm handgun and wore a hyperrealistic silicon mask. His black SUV was equipped with emergency lights and fake “police” plates.
“Boelter wore a black tactical vest and body armor. He carried a flashlight and a Beretta 9 mm handgun,” Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said during a press briefing. “He also wore a hyperrealistic silicon mask. Sen. Hoffman had a security camera. I’ve seen the footage from that camera, and it is chilling. Boelter knocked on Sen. Hoffman’s front door and repeatedly shouted, ‘This is police. Open the door.’”
When the Hoffmans opened the door, Boelter used a flashlight to disorient them before opening fire. Both victims survived and were transported to a hospital. Their daughter called 911.
Boelter then traveled to the Maple Grove residence of another state representative. Security footage shows him in the same uniform knocking on the door at 2:24 a.m. No one was home.
At 2:36 a.m., Boelter arrived outside a state senator’s house in New Hope. A responding police officer observed his vehicle but received no response when attempting to question him. Boelter fled the scene before additional officers arrived.
Boelter’s final stop was the Brooklyn Park home of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Authorities say he used the same approach and opened fire. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Boelter remains in custody. Federal and local officials have indicated further charges are possible as the investigation continues.