No death penalty for Boelter in Minnesota case

The U.S. Department of Justice will not seek the death penalty for Vance Boelter, the man accused of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses in June 2025, the agency said Monday.

Boelter, 58, of Green Isle, is charged in the June 14, 2025, attacks that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. A DOJ spokesperson said there was no recommendation to pursue capital punishment.

"Bringing justice to the families and loved ones of victims of violence is the number one priority of the Department of Justice," the spokesperson said in a statement to CBS News. "Prosecutors worked hard on this case to make sure he was held accountable to the fullest extent possible."

Why prosecutors took capital punishment off the table

Boelter faces six federal charges, including two counts of stalking, two counts of murder and two firearms violations. Under federal law, the murder counts are punishable by death or life in prison, but the DOJ, citing case law, indicated the underlying interstate stalking charges likely do not meet the threshold required for a death sentence, according to CBS News and Courthouse News Service.

FOX 9 reported that prosecutors ultimately determined the crimes Boelter faced were not eligible for the death penalty under federal law. U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen submitted a recommendation on the death penalty in April to the assistant attorney general for the criminal division, CBS News reported.

Because Minnesota has no state-level death penalty, federal prosecutors held the only path to capital punishment, Courthouse News noted. Their decision means Boelter no longer faces execution in either court system.

The shootings and the charges

Boelter was allegedly dressed as a police officer when he visited the lawmakers' homes in the early morning hours of June 14, 2025, shooting the Hortmans in their Brooklyn Park home and the Hoffmans in their Champlin home, according to KEYC and FOX 9. Prosecutors also allege he stopped at the homes of two other Democratic legislators that morning, FOX 9 reported.

A federal grand jury indicted Boelter last July on the six counts, which also encompass the attempted shooting of the Hoffmans' daughter, Hope, who narrowly avoided being shot, KEYC and Courthouse News reported. The state prosecution is on hold while the federal case proceeds.

In state court, a grand jury indicted Boelter in August 2025 on two counts of first-degree premeditated murder, four counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of felony animal cruelty and one count of impersonating a police officer. A guilty verdict on a first-degree murder count carries a life sentence without the possibility of parole, CBS News reported. Anyone unsure how criminal cases move through the courts can review our overview of how warrants and court appearances work.

Civil suit and the political aftermath

The Hoffman family has filed a civil lawsuit against Boelter accusing him of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence, according to CBS News and Courthouse News. The Hoffmans say they were shot 17 times and spent weeks in the hospital, Courthouse News reported. For readers wondering how civil claims like this proceed, see our guide on what happens if you get sued.

The killings drew bipartisan condemnation and prompted states to move quickly to protect lawmakers' personal information. The Minnesota House and Senate authorized spending on enhanced residential security and local police monitoring at legislators' homes, and Gov. Tim Walz later issued an executive order installing metal detectors at the Capitol, Courthouse News reported. Hortman, first elected in 2004, served as House speaker from 2019 to January 2025. Questions about prosecutorial decisions in Minnesota often turn to the state's top legal officials, including the Minnesota attorney general.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't Boelter face the death penalty?

The Justice Department said the specific crimes he is accused of are likely ineligible for capital punishment under federal law. While murder is death-eligible, the DOJ cited case law indicating the underlying interstate stalking charges likely do not meet the threshold for a death sentence.

Could Boelter still be executed under state law?

No. Minnesota has no death penalty for state crimes, so federal prosecutors held the only path to capital punishment. With that decision made, execution is off the table in both court systems.

What sentence does Boelter face if convicted?

The federal murder counts are punishable by life in prison. In state court, a guilty verdict on a first-degree murder charge carries a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

What charges does Boelter face?

He faces six federal charges, including two counts of stalking, two counts of murder and two firearms violations. State charges include two counts of first-degree premeditated murder, four counts of attempted first-degree murder, felony animal cruelty and impersonating a police officer.

Sources

Reporting compiled from court records and the cited source outlets.