Minnesota Suspect to Face First‑Degree Murder Charges After Political Lawmaker Shootings
Minneapolis, June 16, 2025 — The suspect arrested in connection with the weekend shootings that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, will face first‑degree murder charges, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced Monday .
🔍 Charges and Legal Developments
- State charges: Boelter was initially charged with second‑degree murder and attempted murder to secure an arrest warrant. Moriarty confirmed they are now pursuing first‑degree murder, which carries a maximum sentence of life without parole (reuters.com).
- Federal charges: Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson revealed Boelter faces six federal counts—two for murder, two for stalking, and two firearms offenses—that could include the death penalty (washingtonpost.com).
🕵️ Details of the Attack
- Premeditated and targeted: Investigators say Boelter, disguised as a police officer with a “hyper‑realistic” silicone mask and tactical gear, carried out a carefully planned assault. Surveillance footage and notebooks indicate he stalked his victims and had compiled a list of over 45–70 potential targets, including Democratic officials and pro‑abortion rights advocates (thecut.com).
- Multiple scenes: He first shot Senator Hoffman and his wife in Champlin around 2 a.m. on June 14. He then visited two other lawmakers’ homes—one in Maple Grove and another in New Hope—before fatally shooting the Hortmans in Brooklyn Park (reuters.com).
🌪️ Investigation and Manhunt
- Wisconsin authorities conducted what became Minnesota’s largest manhunt, deploying over 100 officers and 20 SWAT teams. Boelter was found and taken into custody in rural Sibley County late Sunday night (en.wikipedia.org).
- His vehicle contained multiple assault rifles, a handgun, a fake police badge, and detailed target lists. A letter he wrote to the FBI confirmed his identity and admitted involvement in the shootings (reuters.com).
💔 Victims’ Condition and Public Response
- Senator John Hoffman is recovering after sustaining nine gunshot wounds; his wife Yvette took eight shots. Both expressed gratitude, stating, “we are both incredibly lucky to be alive” (thecut.com).
- Governor Tim Walz praised the bravery of a 911 caller who helped alert authorities and emphasized that political violence “cannot become a norm” (thecut.com).
⚖️ What’s Next in Court
- Boelter is expected to appear in state and federal courts on Monday afternoon, where first‑degree murder indictments will be filed following a grand jury review (reuters.com).
- Potential penalties: A state conviction would mean life without parole, while a federal death‑penalty sentence looms depending on jury decisions (cbsnews.com).
This case underscores alarming trends in politically motivated violence in the U.S., prompting renewed calls for safeguarding lawmakers and intervening in extremism. As legal proceedings unfold, Minnesota will grapple with grief and demands for accountability.
