Key facts
- Vance Boelter was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years for the murders of Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the attempted murders of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
- Boelter pleaded guilty to six counts, including murder, stalking, and gun-related charges, as part of a plea agreement that spared him the death penalty.
- Boelter disguised himself as a police officer, wearing a mask and using a fake police license plate, to carry out the attacks on June 14, 2025.
- He gained entry to the Hortman residence by posing as an officer and fatally shot Mark Hortman before shooting Melissa Hortman as she fled upstairs.
- Earlier that night, Boelter had shot and critically injured John and Yvette Hoffman at their home.
- A list of over 45 other Minnesota officials was found in Boelter's car, and he had visited two other lawmakers' homes that night.
Vance Boelter, 59, has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus 40 years in prison for the assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the attempted murders of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Boelter pleaded guilty in June to six counts, including murder, stalking, and gun-related charges, as part of a plea agreement that allowed him to avoid the death penalty.
Boelter carried out the attacks on June 14, 2025, by disguising himself as a police officer, wearing a silicone mask, and using a fake police license plate on his SUV. He gained entry to the Hortman residence by posing as an officer and fatally shot Mark Hortman before shooting Melissa Hortman as she fled upstairs. Earlier that night, he had shot and critically injured John and Yvette Hoffman at their home.
Authorities discovered a list of over 45 other Minnesota officials in Boelter's car. He had also visited the homes of two other lawmakers that night, but did not gain entry. Federal prosecutors described Boelter's actions as an "assault on democracy."
During the sentencing hearing, family members shared their profound grief and trauma. Sophie Hortman spoke of missing her parents and her dog, Gilbert, who was also shot and killed. Colin Hortman described the lasting panic attacks and the horror of the scene. Melissa Hortman's father, Harold Haluptzok, expressed his wish that Boelter had spoken with his daughter about his political positions before resorting to violence.