Vance Boelter Pleads Guilty: Timeline of Assassinations, Prosecution

Vance Boelter on Thursday pleaded guilty to federal murder, stalking and firearms charges, admitting to a series of targeted attacks that killed Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, and wounded two others while attempting to shoot another person.

The plea agreement removes the death penalty from consideration and formalizes the federal government's account of the attacks in court as one of the most destabilizing political crimes in state history.

Boelter will serve multiple life sentences plus 40 years while state prosecutors continue pursuing their own first‑degree murder case.

Months Before Shootings: Planning and Surveillance

Federal investigators say Boelter spent months preparing for the attacks. He researched lawmakers' home addresses, monitored their routines, and assembled police‑style gear, including tactical armor, a badge and a full‑head silicone mask. A notebook later recovered from his vehicle contained nearly 70 names, all Democrats, according to federal filings.

June 14, 2025, Early Morning: Disguise Activated

Boelter left for the Twin Cities area dressed as a police officer and driving an SUV outfitted with emergency lights and a fake "POLICE" plate. Investigators say he carried multiple firearms, including a 9 mm handgun and several rifles.

2:06 a.m., in Champlin: Hoffman Family Shot

Boelter approached the home of state Senator John Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman, shining a flashlight into their faces and claiming there had been a shooting inside the house. When the couple realized he was not law enforcement, a struggle followed and both were shot multiple times. Their daughter called 911, and the Hoffmans were rushed to a hospital with critical injuries. Both survived.

2:24 a.m., Maple Grove: Attempted Entry at Another Lawmaker's Home

Security footage captured Boelter at the home of a state representative, later identified as Kristin Bahner. He announced himself as police and said he had a warrant. No one answered the door, and he left the property.

2:36 a.m., New Hope: Officer Encounters Boelter

A New Hope police officer checking on state Senator Ann Rest saw what appeared to be a police vehicle parked near the home. The officer attempted to speak with the driver-later identified as Boelter-but he stared straight ahead and did not respond. By the time additional officers arrived, he had driven away.

Around 3:30 a.m., Brooklyn Park: Melissa and Mark Hortman Killed

Officers sent to check on state Representative Melissa Hortman, the former Minnesota House speaker, found Boelter standing at the front door with his SUV's emergency lights flashing. As they approached the house, Boelter shot Melissa and Mark Hortman multiple times. Both died at the scene. Their dog, Gilbert, was also killed.

Boelter fled on foot, leaving behind his mask, pistol, tactical vest and the notebook containing dozens of names.

6:18 a.m.: Messages to Family and Friends

Police located Boelter's wife and children in a vehicle containing cash, passports and two handguns. On her phone, investigators found messages from Boelter, including: "Dad went to war last night," and a warning that armed officers would soon arrive. He also texted roommates that he "may be dead shortly."

Later That Morning: Statewide Manhunt Begins

Authorities issued a shelter‑in‑place alert across Brooklyn Park and activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Hundreds of officers, deputies, and FBI agents began searching neighborhoods, wooded areas and nearby highways.

7 a.m., North Minneapolis: Bike and Car Purchased

Carrying duffel bags, Boelter approached a man at a bus stop and bought his electric bike and Buick sedan. Security footage later showed him wearing a cowboy hat while withdrawing $2,200-emptying his bank account-to pay for the vehicle.

June 15, Early Morning: Activity Near Green Isle

A possible sighting of a cyclist near Boelter's family home shifted the search area. Officers soon found the abandoned Buick. Inside was a handwritten letter addressed to the FBI in which Boelter admitted he was "the shooter at large in Minnesota involved in the 2 shootings."

Sunday Evening: Boelter Located in the Woods

After hours of grid searches, drones and door‑to‑door checks, officers spotted Boelter in a wooded area near Green Isle. He surrendered without resistance, crawling toward officers who took him into custody. Officials later described the operation as the largest manhunt in Minnesota history.

July 15, 2025: Federal Indictment Announced

A federal grand jury indicted Boelter on six counts, including the murders of Melissa and Mark Hortman, the shootings of John and Yvette Hoffman, and the attempted shooting of their daughter, Hope, who was uninjured.

Prosecutors said the attacks were "the likes of which have never been seen in Minnesota."

June 11, 2026: Guilty Plea and Sentencing

Nearly a year after the attacks, Boelter pleaded guilty to federal murder, stalking and firearms charges. Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche approved the agreement removing the death penalty. Judge John R. Tunheim sentenced Boelter to multiple life sentences plus 40 years. State charges-including first‑degree murder-remain active.

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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 1:06 PM.