Overview
- A federal judge on Thursday sentenced Vance Boelter to two consecutive life terms plus 40 years after he pleaded guilty to killing Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and wounding Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
- Prosecutors presented evidence that Boelter spent months researching and stalking predominantly Democratic officials, used a police‑style disguise to gain access to homes, and intended to shift control of the Minnesota Legislature by killing lawmakers.
- Investigators recovered notebooks listing elected Democrats and home addresses and described a 43‑hour manhunt that ended with Boelter’s arrest in Green Isle in June 2025.
- Victims and family members delivered emotional impact statements at sentencing describing physical injuries, ongoing trauma, changes to daily life and anger that the plea avoided capital punishment.
- The federal sentence closes the federal case but Hennepin County’s separate state murder and attempted‑murder charges and civil lawsuits by survivors remain active and may carry additional penalties or restitution.