Hennepin County Grand Jury Indicts Vance Boelter for Murder

A Hennepin County grand jury has indicted Vance Boelter on charges of first-degree premeditated murder in connection with the shootings of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, according to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The indictment, announced on Thursday, follows a violent incident on June 14, 2023, where Boelter is also accused of injuring Sen. John Hoffman and his wife at their Champlin residence.

The charges against Boelter, 58, extend beyond the Hortmans’ case, encompassing attempted murder charges related to three other individuals, including Rep. Kristin Bahner. The grand jury’s indictments specifically include the following: first-degree premeditated murder charges for both Melissa and Mark Hortman; attempted first-degree murder of John Hoffman, his wife Yvette Hoffman, and their daughter Hope Hoffman; felony cruelty to an animal; and impersonating a police officer while operating a vehicle resembling a police squad car.

In a statement, Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney, emphasized the profound impact of the violence, saying, “The damage done to the victims—those with us, those who were taken from us, and to our entire community—has opened wounds that will never heal. These charges reflect the weight of Mr. Boelter’s crimes.”

The initial charges against Boelter were filed in federal court, where he pleaded not guilty last week. Following his arrest on June 15 during a large-scale manhunt in rural Sibley County, he was transferred to federal custody on June 16. The charges, which had been sealed until his arrest, were subsequently unsealed and detailed in a federal complaint.

According to prosecutors, Boelter is alleged to have impersonated a police officer while driving a vehicle styled to look like a police car. He reportedly approached the homes of four legislators in Hennepin County, engaging primarily with the Hortmans and the Hoffmans. Although he did not directly contact Rep. Bahner, he is accused of intending to do so.

Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Joe Thompson noted that past cases indicate the federal charges will likely be prioritized in the judicial process. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office stated that they will pursue their case against Boelter as soon as he is available from federal custody.

The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of these violent events, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety and the impact of gun violence on public figures and their families. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on justice for the victims and their loved ones.