Accusations of additional attempted murder charges, filed against a Minnesota resident, for the lethal attack on political officials.
Vance Boelter, the suspect accused of the fatal shooting of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as the wounding of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, has been indicted by a grand jury on state charges. The indictment, announced by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty on August 14, 2025, includes first-degree premeditated murder and felony animal cruelty charges [1][3].
This state-level indictment comes in addition to the federal charges Boelter already faces, which include murder, stalking, and firearms offenses. Boelter has pleaded not guilty to all charges [1][2][3]. The new indictment underscores the gravity of the attacks that occurred on June 14, 2025.
Investigators have revealed that Boelter allegedly impersonated a police officer and wore a realistic latex mask during the attacks. Notebooks containing a list of about 45 elected officials were found, suggesting a broader targeting of politicians [2].
The investigation into Boelter's home took place on June 15, 2025, in Green Isle, Minnesota [4][5][6]. The funeral services for Mark and Melissa Hortman were held at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis on June 28, with former U.S. President Joe Biden in attendance [7][8].
Boelter's next federal court appearance is scheduled for November 25, 2025. If convicted federally, he faces possible severe penalties, including the death penalty [1]. Meanwhile, the state-level indictment brings additional legal proceedings focused on first-degree murder and felony animal cruelty [3].
[1] ABC News. (2025, August 14). Vance Boelter Indicted on State Murder Charges in Minnesota Shooting. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/vance-boelter-indicted-state-murder-charges-minnesota-shooting-78319539
[2] Associated Press. (2025, June 15). Suspect in Minnesota Shooting Impersonated Police Officer, Wore Mask. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-shooting-vance-boelter-police-officer-mask-6597f120e4b0b26464f32688a29f05c7
[3] Star Tribune. (2025, August 14). Vance Boelter Indicted on State Murder Charges in Shooting of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. Retrieved from https://www.startribune.com/vance-boelter-indicted-on-state-murder-charges-in-shooting-of-minnesota-house-speaker-melissa-hortman/600125449/
[4] WCCO CBS Minnesota. (2025, June 15). Investigation Continues at Home of Shooting Suspect Vance Boelter in Green Isle. Retrieved from https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2025/06/15/investigation-continues-at-home-of-shooting-suspect-vance-boelter-in-green-isle/
[5] KSTP. (2025, June 15). Investigation at Green Isle Home of Suspect in Minnesota Shooting. Retrieved from https://kstp.com/news/investigation-at-green-isle-home-of-suspect-in-minnesota-shooting/600125167/
[6] Fox 9. (2025, June 15). Investigation at Green Isle Home of Suspect in Minnesota Shooting. Retrieved from https://www.fox9.com/news/investigation-at-green-isle-home-of-suspect-in-minnesota-shooting
[7] Star Tribune. (2025, June 28). Former President Joe Biden Attends Funeral of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. Retrieved from https://www.startribune.com/former-president-joe-biden-attends-funeral-of-minnesota-house-speaker-melissa-hortman/600147257/
[8] WCCO CBS Minnesota. (2025, June 28). Former President Joe Biden Attends Funeral of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. Retrieved from https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2025/06/28/former-president-joe-biden-attends-funeral-of-minnesota-house-speaker-melissa-hortman/
The state-level indictment against Vance Boelter, who is accused of the fatal shooting of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, includes charges of first-degree premeditated murder, as well as felony animal cruelty. This indictment, alongside the federal charges Boelter already faces, has elevated the gravity of the case in the realm of general-news, crime-and-justice, and politics. The investigation into Boelter's past actions and motivations may also shed light on broader questions about security and culture within political circles.
