MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota man accused of killing a former state House speaker and her husband in a politically motivated attack last year is expected to plead guilty in federal court as part of a deal that spares him from the death penalty, prosecutors said.
Vance Luther Boelter, 58, of Green Isle, Minnesota, changed his plea on Thursday to guilty on six federal charges, including murder and stalking, in connection with the June 14, 2025, shootings, U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced.
Boelter admitted to fatally shooting former Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, and her husband, Mark Hortman, at their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. He also admitted to shooting and wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, at their nearby home earlier that morning.
Authorities said Boelter disguised himself as a police officer, wearing tactical gear and a silicone mask, and drove a vehicle resembling a police SUV when he carried out the attacks. He had researched and stalked his targets over several months, according to court documents.
The incident began around 3 a.m. when Boelter approached the Hoffmans' home in Champlin, posing as an officer conducting a welfare check. He shot and wounded John and Yvette Hoffman. He then drove to the Hortmans' residence in Brooklyn Park, where he killed the couple. Their dog was also killed in the attack.
A handwritten note and a list containing names of about 70 Democratic officials and others were later found in Boelter's vehicle, authorities said. Prosecutors described the shootings as a targeted act of political violence.
Boelter initially pleaded not guilty after his indictment in July 2025. Under the plea agreement approved Thursday, federal prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty in exchange for his guilty plea and acceptance of two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years in prison.
"This plea ensures that the defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison," Rosen said in a statement.
Boelter faces additional charges in state court. Sentencing in the federal case is expected to be scheduled before the end of July.
The attacks drew widespread condemnation from Minnesota officials, including Gov. Tim Walz, who described them as a politically motivated assassination. Family members of the victims attended the hearing, where emotional reactions were reported as Boelter detailed his actions in court.
As of Friday, details regarding any remaining state proceedings or Boelter's full sentencing remained pending.
