Minnesota Lawmakers' Assassin Vance Boelter Indicted on Federal Murder Charges

Vance Boelter, accused of fatally shooting former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as injuring state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, was indicted on six federal charges including murder, stalking, and firearms offenses. The indictment, announced by acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson, signals that prosecutors are considering seeking the death penalty, with the final decision resting with Attorney General Pam Bondi. Boelter allegedly impersonated a police officer during the attacks at the victims' homes on June 14 and had also left a notebook containing dozens of other names, suggesting a broader intent. Charges carry potential sentences of life imprisonment or the death penalty, with state charges also pending. Authorities described Boelter's actions as a targeted political assassination that has deeply affected the families and the state of Minnesota. Prosecutors also released details about a letter Boelter wrote to FBI Director Kash Patel amid the indictment proceedings.