Hoffman files civil lawsuit against Boelter for permanent injuries
Hoffman sues Boelter for permanent injuries; Hortman family's dog euthanized from attack injuries.
Event / Security
Minnesota Democratic Lawmakers Attack
Vance Boelter carried out coordinated attacks on Minnesota Democratic officials in June 2025, killing House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, seriously wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, and attempting to shoot their daughter. He was captured after Minnesota's largest manhunt and pleaded guilty in June 2026 to two counts of murder and related charges, receiving consecutive life sentences plus 40 years.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 12 Jun, 00:37 UTC
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What happened
Vance Boelter pleads guilty to murdering Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark
Vance Boelter, 58, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of murder for killing Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, 55, and her husband Mark Hortman on June 14, 2025. Boelter disguised himself as a police officer wearing a tactical uniform and realistic silicone mask, driving a fake police SUV to the Hortmans' home in Brooklyn Park where he entered and fired multiple times, fatally shooting both.
Boelter carried list of names and addresses of Democratic officials during attacks
Vance Boelter was carrying a list containing the names and addresses of dozens of Democratic officials in Minnesota when he carried out the attacks on June 14, 2025. He visited homes of two additional officials whose addresses were on the list, but neither was home at the time. Prosecutors characterized the attacks as politically motivated.
Hortman family's golden retriever euthanized after severe injuries
The Hortmans' golden retriever, Gilbert, was shot during the attack on June 14, 2025 and initially survived but was euthanized due to grave injuries sustained from the gunfire.
Boelter faces additional state charges including murder and attempted murder
In addition to federal charges, Vance Boelter faces state charges brought by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, including two counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder, charges of impersonating a police officer, and animal cruelty. These state charges were held pending resolution of his federal case.
Boelter captured near Green Isle after largest manhunt in Minnesota history
Vance Boelter was captured near his home in rural Green Isle, Minnesota the day after the shootings on June 15, 2025. Prosecutors described it as the largest search for a suspect in Minnesota history. Boelter remained on the run for approximately two days before apprehension.
John Hoffman files civil lawsuit against Boelter for permanent injuries
In April 2025, John Hoffman filed a civil lawsuit against Vance Boelter claiming permanent injuries including permanent damage to his left arm and hand, as well as permanent damage to his digestive and urinary systems. Yvette Hoffman reported suffering from longstanding physical weakness that prevents her from performing her previous employment.
Boelter wrote confessional letter to FBI Director Kash Patel
When federal prosecutors announced the indictment in July 2025, they released a rambling handwritten letter stating that Boelter wrote to FBI Director Kash Patel confessing to the attacks. However, the letter did not clearly explain why he targeted the Hortman and Hoffman families specifically. In some messages to media, Boelter referenced a vague "investigation" he had been conducting, sometimes suggesting it involved the COVID-19 vaccine.
Boelter pleads guilty to stalking and firearms offenses
In addition to murder charges, Vance Boelter pleaded guilty to stalking both Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, as well as a federal firearms offense related to his impersonation of a police officer and use of weapons in the attacks.
Boelter shoots Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette in separate attack
Vance Boelter shot Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman at their home in Champlin, Minnesota on June 14, 2025. Boelter, disguised as a police officer in a fake squad car, fired multiple times at both victims. Both survived with serious injuries. Boelter also attempted to shoot their daughter Hope Hoffman, who was present and called 911 but was not hit.
Boelter sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years under plea deal
As part of a plea agreement, Vance Boelter agreed to be sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison plus 40 additional years. In exchange, federal prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty. The U.S. District Court in Minneapolis accepted the guilty pleas on June 11, 2025, though the official sentencing hearing was scheduled for a later date.
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Boelter pleads guilty, sentenced to life plus 40 years for attacks
Boelter pleads guilty to killing two Democratic lawmakers and receives two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years.