MINNEAPOLIS — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)), published as received.
MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced today that Vance Luther Boelter, 58, has been sentenced to two consecutive terms of life plus a consecutive 40-year term for the stalking and murders of Melissa and Mark Hortman and the stalking and attempted murders of Senator John Hoffman, Yvette Hoffman, and Hope Hoffman on June 14, 2025. Boelter was sentenced before U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim.
Boelter previously pleaded guilty to six federal offenses, including stalking resulting in death, murder through use of a firearm, and discharging a firearm during crimes of violence.
According to court documents, Boelter acted alone, extensively researched his intended targets, and used disguises, firearms, and law‑enforcement‑style equipment to gain access to the victims’ residences. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offenses, the lasting physical and emotional impacts on the victims and their families, and Boelter’s admitted intent to target multiple elected officials.
“Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman, and with Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman, Yvette Hoffman, their daughter, and all those whose lives were forever changed by these horrific attacks,” said Acting Attorney General Blanche. “Today’s sentence ensures that this violent criminal will spend the rest of his life in federal prison for his calculated and heinous acts of violence against Minnesota public servants and their families. Political violence is an attack not only on its immediate victims, but also on our communities, our democratic institutions, and the rule of law. The Justice Department will continue to use every available resource to investigate, prosecute, and hold accountable those who target public officials and engage in acts of violence.”
“Vance Boelter’s crimes rank among the most horrific this office has ever prosecuted. Today, the United States ensured that Boelter will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of release. Those who commit political violence at any level should take heed that the Department of Justice will seek and obtain the longest prison terms available for their crimes,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “My deepest condolences go out to the Hortman and Hoffman families as they continue to grieve and heal from this tragedy.”
“Today’s sentencing is an important step toward healing for the families and community forever changed by this political violence,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. “Minnesotans deserve to live in a state where their voices are respected and their safety is never threatened by those who try to silence democratic participation through fear. Vance Boelter believed his political opinions outweighed the voice and vote of every other Minnesotan. He was and is profoundly wrong. Minnesota’s law enforcement at every level rallied last June with one shared purpose: to protect our neighbors and defend the democratic values that hold our communities together. The FBI remains committed to using every resource at our disposal to uphold our democracy, defend the Constitution, and eradicate political violence.”
“Behind every count in this case is a person whose life Vance Boelter took or tried to take,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Spence Burnett of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “Melissa and Mark Hortman were parents whose children lost them both in a matter of seconds. John and Yvette Hoffman survived devastating gunshot wounds, while their daughter was forced to call for help. Boelter also targeted other legislators. Accountability has its limits in the face of this much loss. No sentence can restore the lives he took, heal those he wounded or undo what these families endured. Today’s sentence does ensure he will spend the rest of his life answering for those decisions.”
“This sentencing brings accountability for crimes that shook our community and forever changed the lives of those affected. By portraying himself as a police officer while targeting elected officials, the offender caused profound harm and damaged public trust. We are grateful that the prosecution sought the maximum penalties to be imposed and extend our sincere thanks to everyone whose hard work and commitment made this resolution possible,” said Champlin Police Department Chief Glen Schneider.
“No sentence can bring back the Hortmans, repair the terrible harm done to the Hoffmans, or undo the fear felt by people across Minnesota on June 14 and 15 last year,” said Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans. “But today’s sentence is a statement to all Minnesotans that order can be restored, that we will hold people accountable for their crimes, and that political violence is never acceptable.”
“Vance Boelter is a cold-blooded killer who should never again walk free. His horrific actions forever changed the lives of the Hortman and Hoffman families, spread fear across communities throughout Minnesota, and shocked our nation. We are grateful for this outcome and hope it brings some measure of justice and relief to the families and everyone impacted by this tragedy,” said Minneapolis Police Department Chief Bill Peterson.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, ATF, Brooklyn Park Police Department, Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Champlin Police Department, and New Hope Police Department, together with several other state and local partners. The National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section also assisted in the investigation. This investigation has proceeded with the United States Attorney’s Office in strong partnership with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley M. Endicott and Matthew D. Forbes prosecuted the case.
Note: Previous press releases on the investigation (June 16, 2025), indictment (July 15, 2025), and guilty plea (June 11, 2026) are linked here.
