Vance Boelter, the man accused of carrying out a deadly attack targeting Minnesota Democratic lawmakers and their families, pleaded guilty Thursday to all federal charges against him, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
During a hearing in federal court, Boelter admitted to fatally shooting Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, as well as carrying out attacks against other public officials and their families. According to local media reports, emotional reactions filled the courtroom as details of the killings were recounted.
Boelter entered guilty pleas to six federal counts, including two stalking charges, two murder charges involving the use of a firearm, and two federal firearms offenses.
Federal prosecutors said the plea agreement was reached after the government agreed not to seek the death penalty. Instead, Boelter is expected to receive consecutive life sentences, ensuring he spends the remainder of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.
“The terms of our offer were clear: if Mr. Boelter pleaded guilty and accepted consecutive life sentences, the death penalty would be removed from consideration,” U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said following the hearing.
Earlier this week, the Justice Department confirmed it would not pursue capital punishment in the case, citing legal considerations related to the charges filed.
“Political violence is a scourge in our nation,” Rosen said in a statement. “We now expect Vance Boelter will spend the rest of his natural life in prison without parole.”
The attacks occurred on June 14, 2025, when Boelter allegedly disguised himself as a police officer and carried out a series of politically motivated shootings. Prosecutors said he fatally shot Melissa Hortman and her husband at their home and also wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman.
Federal authorities described the case as one of the most serious acts of political violence in Minnesota’s history. Boelter still faces separate state charges, including murder and attempted murder counts, which remain pending.
Law enforcement officials said the guilty plea brings an important measure of accountability, though they acknowledged it cannot undo the devastating loss suffered by the victims’ families and communities.
