Minnesotan will spend life in prison for deaths of House speaker, husband
The Minnesotan convicted of attacking lawmakers last year, killing House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Vance Boelter, 59, of Green Isle, appeared before U.S. District Court Judge John R. Tunheim on Thursday. Boelter changed his plea last month to guilty in order to avoid a death penalty sentence. Tunheim sentenced Boelter to two consecutive life terms, and an additional 40 years.
“To every person I have caused loss, pain, heartache, confusion, sadness, shame, or loneliness, I am truly sorry,” Boelter said in court.
He also pleaded guilty to shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, as well as the attempted shooting of their daughter, Hope Hoffman, in a targeted attack in which he posed as a police officer.
The senator spoke in court on Thursday.
“I’m here as a husband, father and state senator, and a man this defendant tried to kill,” Hoffman said just before the sentence was announced. “The defendant permanently changed my life.”
In all, Boelter has admitted to the crimes in court and pleaded guilty to two stalking charges, two murders through use of a firearm, and two federal firearm-shooting offenses.
Prosecutors said Boelter carried out the attacks after planning them for months in advance – and called for an end to political violence.
“Political violence is a scourge in our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “We now expect Vance Boelter will spend the rest of his natural life in prison without parole. To all of those who would commit political violence: this Justice Department will seek and obtain the longest prison terms for your offense.”
The FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and local agencies conducted a nearly two-day manhunt before Boelter was arrested near his home in Green Isle in June 2025.
State charges have also been filed in Hennepin County but are being held pending the federal case.
Mostly Cloudy
Latest News Stories
Judge won’t let ConAgra off hook in class action over fish fillet brine
Legal analysts applaud yet are skeptical of American Bar Association’s DEI elimination
Illinois Quick Hits: Bill offering CTE alternative clears senate committee
Workers say mass Spirit Airlines layoffs violate federal law
Bill that tried to kill secret agreements with your tax dollars now faces its own silent death
After-school program orgs seek $70M in new state grants to cover gap from fed cuts
Collins, Dooley to face off in June runoff for U.S. Senate
Alabama U.S. Senate races head to June runoff
Beecher 200U Approves Retirement Contract for High School Principal Mike Meyer
Tuberville, Jones to face off in Alabama governor’s race
SCOTUS turns down Eli Lilly bid to end ‘bounty hunter’ lawsuits
Congressional candidates discuss immigration, tax policies
Trump-endorsed Gallrein ousts Massie in Kentucky
