Key facts
- Vance Boelter pleaded guilty to federal charges for the murders of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.
- Boelter also pleaded guilty to attempting to murder State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
- Federal prosecutors will not seek the death penalty against Boelter as part of a plea agreement.
- Boelter disguised himself as a police officer during the attacks.
- Prosecutors recommended a sentence of two life sentences plus 40 years.
Vance Boelter, 58, has pleaded guilty to federal charges for the targeted killings of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the attempted murder of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Federal prosecutors announced they would not seek the death penalty as part of a plea agreement. Boelter admitted to posing as a police officer to carry out the attacks in June 2025. The Justice Department recommended a sentence of two life sentences plus 40 years. The state of Minnesota still has separate charges against Boelter, including premeditated murder and attempted murder. The attacks have heightened concerns about political violence in the U.S.