SerpApi.Org
Federal prosecutors are asking a judge to sentence Vance Boelter to two consecutive life sentences plus an additional 40 years in prison, arguing his attacks on Minnesota lawmakers were a calculated act of political violence intended to alter the balance of power at the State Capitol.
The request comes ahead of Boelter's sentencing on Thursday. He pleaded guilty last month to federal charges stemming from the June 2025 killings of former House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shootings of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Under the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty in exchange for a recommended sentence of two life terms plus 40 years.
Prosecutors describe the attacks as "an assault on democracy," arguing Boelter carefully planned the shootings after researching Democratic lawmakers, compiling their home addresses and disguising himself as a police officer to gain access to their homes.
The filing states that investigators found evidence that Boelter closely monitored the narrowly divided Minnesota House and Senate, and understood that killing multiple Democratic lawmakers could shift control of both chambers. Prosecutors say he searched online for information about legislative party makeup, stored lawmakers' addresses in GPS devices and maintained notebooks detailing dozens of elected officials.
According to prosecutors, Boelter first shot John and Yvette Hoffman before traveling to the homes of Rep. Kristin Bahner and Sen. Ann Rest. He ultimately killed Melissa and Mark Hortman before fleeing, discarding weapons and other evidence during a statewide manhunt. Prosecutors say he later searched for Minnesota news coverage of the shootings while connected to public Wi-Fi at a McDonalds in Minneapolis and left behind a letter admitting responsibility while making false claims about government involvement.
The sentencing memo also challenges statements Boelter made after his arrest. Prosecutors say he falsely claimed he intentionally fired at the Hoffmans' feet to avoid killing them. Instead, they argue evidence shows he fired through the front door, striking Sen. Hoffman multiple times in the chest and torso and Yvette Hoffman in the abdomen and hip.
Prosecutors contend Boelter's crimes devastated multiple families, terrorized public officials across Minnesota and represented one of the most serious attacks on representative government in the state's history. They argue no sentence short of two consecutive life terms plus 40 years would adequately reflect the severity of the crimes.
Boelter will still face separate state charges in Hennepin County, including first-degree murder and attempted murder charges related to the attacks.
