Boelter pleads guilty to Minnesota lawmaker killings
Vance Boelter, 58, pleaded guilty Thursday in Minneapolis federal court to murder, stalking and firearms charges in the June 2025 attacks that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband and wounded two more.
The plea, entered before U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim, resolves the federal case nearly a year after the shootings, which authorities have described as politically motivated assassinations. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty, as CBS News Minnesota reported.
Boelter, who had previously pleaded not guilty, admitted to six counts: two of stalking, two of murder and two firearms violations. Prosecutors recommended a sentence of two consecutive life terms plus 40 years, and the judge indicated the court is likely to accept that recommendation.
An in-court admission
Boelter, dressed in an orange sweatsuit, answered "yes" when the judge asked whether he had carried out the crimes, according to NBC News. He said he acted alone and had researched his victims to gather information about them.
For the first time, Boelter acknowledged he planned the murders months in advance and disguised himself as a police officer during the shootings. He admitted falsely telling state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, that a shooting had been reported before opening fire at their home in Champlin.
At the Hortman home, Boelter acknowledged shouting "Police, welfare check" before he opened fire. He conceded that Mark Hortman had asked for his name and badge number and that he made one up, then admitted shooting Melissa Hortman point-blank in the head, prompting muffled crying from relatives in the gallery.
The Hoffmans were among the spectators who filled the courtroom, along with members of Boelter's family and Melissa and Mark Hortman's children.
Prosecutors defend the deal
U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said Boelter's willingness to accept the longest possible sentences was the only reason prosecutors dropped the death penalty. The plea agreement was approved by Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, according to a court filing.
"That was the only circumstance under which the death penalty was off the table," Rosen said at a news conference. He called Boelter "brutally murderous" and described the attacks as "among the worst political violence crimes that we have seen."
"Political violence is a scourge in our nation," Rosen said in a statement. "We now expect Vance Boelter will spend the rest of his natural life in prison without parole."
The Justice Department had announced earlier in the week that it would not seek capital punishment, a decision detailed in the prior filing that took the death penalty off the table. The federal capital-punishment system has drawn renewed attention this term; the U.S. Supreme Court recently sided with a Mississippi death row inmate in a case over jury bias.
State charges remain
Boelter still faces separate state charges, including two counts of first-degree premeditated murder and four counts of attempted first-degree murder, along with counts of impersonating an officer and felony cruelty to an animal. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office said the federal plea does not change the status of the state case.
"Mr. Boelter will sit in a Hennepin County courtroom and be held accountable for his actions," County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a statement, adding that her office is in contact with federal prosecutors about transferring him into state custody. Minnesota abolished its death penalty more than a century ago, and the state remains free to pursue its own prosecution alongside the office of the Minnesota attorney general.
The Hoffman family, in a statement after the hearing, said the outcome offered accountability but not resolution. "There is no justice for Mark and Melissa Hortman, and there is not justice when our family and our state will never truly heal," the family said. "While the legal process may provide accountability, true healing requires something more from all of us."
Judge Tunheim ordered an expedited sentencing, which he hoped to schedule before the end of July. A formal sentencing hearing, where victims will be allowed to speak, is expected later this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Vance Boelter plead guilty to?
Boelter pleaded guilty in federal court to six counts: two counts of stalking, two counts of murder and two firearms violations, connected to the June 2025 shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses.
Why did prosecutors drop the death penalty?
U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said the death penalty was dropped solely because Boelter agreed to plead guilty and accept the longest possible sentences. The plea agreement was approved by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
What sentence is Boelter expected to receive?
Prosecutors recommended two consecutive life terms plus 40 years. The judge indicated the court is likely to accept that recommendation at a sentencing hearing expected later this summer.
Does Boelter still face state charges?
Yes. He faces Minnesota state charges including two counts of first-degree premeditated murder and four counts of attempted first-degree murder. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office said the federal plea does not change the state case.
Sources
Reporting compiled from court records and the cited source outlets.