A federal grand jury has handed down a sweeping indictment against 35-year-old Vance Boelter for his alleged role in the politically motivated killings of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as the attempted assassination of State Senator John Hoffman and his family. The shocking development follows a deadly rampage that rocked Minnesota in June and left the state reeling.
Charges and Penalties
Boelter faces:
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Two counts of first-degree stalking (targeting the Hortmans)
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Two counts of murder using a firearm (Melissa and Mark Hortman)
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Two counts of firearms offenses (for the shootings of the Hortmans and Hoffmans)
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One count of attempted murder (targeting the Hoffmans’ daughter)
If convicted, Boelter could face life in prison or the death penalty.
Shocking Letter to FBI Director Kash Patel
Alongside the indictment, the Department of Justice released a handwritten letter Boelter had addressed to FBI Director Kash Patel, penned just before his arrest. In it, Boelter identified himself as the shooter and alleged deep conspiracies involving Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar.
“Dear Kash Patel, My name is Dr. Vince Lethorn Berthar, Ed.D. I am the shooter at large in Minnesota… I was told by U.S. military people on the lakes during my release. I’ve been on many operations… in Eastern Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa,” Boelter wrote.
He claimed he was ordered by Gov. Tim Walz to assassinate Klobuchar and another political figure named Tina Keith, suggesting Walz wanted to force their retirements to make way for a Senate run.
“This was a one-person op,” Boelter concluded, offering to “spill all the beans” if his family were granted safety.
Timeline of the Attack
According to the indictment:
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Boelter disguised himself as a police officer and first went to Senator Hoffman’s home, shooting him, his wife Yvette, and attempting to shoot their daughter.
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He then visited the homes of two other officials — both were not present.
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Boelter ended the rampage at the Hortmans’ residence, where he fatally shot both Melissa and Mark Hortman.
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He was captured two days later following a multi-agency manhunt.
Official Response
“Vance Boelter planned and carried out a night of terror that shook Minnesota to its core,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Let me be clear: Boelter will see justice.”
Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office added:
“This targeted violence was an attack on the rule of law… We will ensure that justice is served and that a price is paid for the reign of terror and violence our community endured.”
