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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy
Latest News Stories
D122 to Spend $24,950 on Professional Enrollment Forecast
Frankfort Library Secures $83K Grant for Reading Room, Financial Report Shows Strong Position
Frankfort Library Considers Limiting Digital Access on Educator Cards to Manage Costs
Newly Appointed Trustee Brooks Stenoish Takes Oath, Finalizing Frankfort Library Board
Meeting Summary: Frankfort Public Library District for June 26, 2025
JJC Trustees Approve Contentious FY26 Budget After Heated Debate, Failed Postponement
Lincoln Way District 210 Approves $2.1 Million Budget Amendment, Maintains Strong Financial Position
JJC’s ‘12x12x12’ Initiative Boosts College Credits, Increases Matriculation Rate
District 210 Approves Administrative Restructuring, Staff Salary Increases
JJC Board Meeting Highlights Tensions Over Legal Bills, Trustee Conduct
Students, Trustees Emphasize Importance of Inclusivity and Flag Raisings at JJC
L-W School Board June 26 Meeting Briefs
