Man pleads guilty in killings of Minnesota House speaker, husband

By Elyse Apel
The Center Square

A Minnesota man has pleaded guilty to killing Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.

Vance Boelter appeared in federal court Thursday and changed his plea to guilty in connection with the June 2025 attacks.

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.

In all, Boelter 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. This is according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Minnesota.

Under the agreement, prosecutors said they will recommend two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years in prison. This takes the possibility of the death penalty off the table.

Prosecutors said Boelter carried out the attacks after planning them in advance.

“Political violence is a scourge in our nation,” said United States 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.”

Law enforcement officials said 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.

“I am extremely proud of the immediate, cooperative, and comprehensive response of law enforcement from all over Minnesota to quickly track down a ruthless killer,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson during that press conference. “Our hearts are with the victims and their surviving families, the Hortmans, Hoffmans, and all of those other elected officials who were on Boelter’s list.”

State charges have also been filed in Hennepin County but are being held pending the federal case.