Overview
- A federal judge in Minneapolis on Thursday, July 23, 2026 sentenced Vance Boelter to two consecutive life terms plus 40 years, which ensures he will remain in prison for life.
- Boelter pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, stalking and weapons offenses after prosecutors dropped pursuit of the death penalty, shortening the case and avoiding a capital trial.
- The killings occurred in June 2025 when Boelter, disguised as a police officer, fatally shot state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband at their Brooklyn Park home and earlier seriously wounded state senator John Hoffman and his wife in Champlin.
- Investigators found a 'death list' with more than 45 politicians' names in Boelter's vehicle and said his actions were driven by anti-abortion views and hostility toward Democrats.
- Law enforcement captured Boelter after an extensive manhunt that used drones, about 20 SWAT teams and air units, and officials say the case highlights growing concerns about politically motivated violence and security for public officials.