Boelter was formally charged in federal court with two counts of stalking, two counts of murder, and two firearm-related offenses. In addition to those charges, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has filed second-degree murder charges, with plans to upgrade them to first-degree murder in connection to the killing of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. The pair were shot in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday morning. Boelter is also accused of attempted murder for the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their Champlin residence.
At a Monday press conference, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson called Boelter’s actions “chilling”, detailing how the suspect posed as a police officer to gain access to the victims’ homes. Dressed in black tactical gear, a police-style vest, body armor, and a hyper-realistic silicone mask, Boelter arrived at the Hoffmans’ residence in a black SUV outfitted with flashing emergency lights and a license plate labeled “POLICE.”
“It’s no exaggeration to say this is the stuff of nightmares,” Thompson said, adding that security camera footage from the Hoffman home captured Boelter knocking on the door and shouting, “This is police, open the door,” before opening fire.
After wounding the Hoffmans, Boelter fled the scene. Their daughter called 911, and both victims were taken to the hospital. According to a message shared by Senator Amy Klobuchar, John Hoffman was shot nine times, and Yvette eight. Both remain hospitalized but are expected to recover.
Following the shooting, Boelter reportedly attempted to target two other lawmakers. Around 2:24 a.m. Saturday, he arrived at the home of a state representative in Maple Grove, but no one answered the door — the lawmaker and his wife were on vacation. Roughly 10 minutes later, Boelter was seen outside a state senator’s home in New Hope, but police intervened before he could carry out another attack.
He then traveled to the Hortmans’ home, where he allegedly killed both Melissa and Mark while still disguised in the same uniform and mask.
Police later discovered an arsenal of weapons in Boelter’s SUV, including three AK-47s, a 9mm handgun, multiple loaded magazines, and a list of names and addresses of public officials — suggesting a broader plan.
Boelter’s bail has been set at $5 million. All charges filed so far are felonies, with each carrying a maximum sentence of up to 40 years in prison, and a mandatory minimum of three years due to firearm use. But with federal charges now in play, legal experts say the stakes have increased significantly.
“The federal charges shift the legal landscape entirely,” said Randolph Rice, a former prosecutor. “Minnesota abolished the death penalty over a century ago, but if the Justice Department pursues this federally, the death penalty could now be on the table.”
Boelter was arrested Sunday evening in Sibley County, thanks to a tip from a local resident who spotted a man dressed in black ducking down in a field. Authorities confirmed Boelter verbally identified himself when confronted by officers.
“She saw this guy out in the field with his back toward her, acting strange,” said Kevin Effertz, the property owner. “She flagged down an officer, and within 20 minutes, they had him in custody.”
Authorities say Boelter’s attack was carefully planned, with coordinated stops at multiple lawmakers’ homes, and a deliberate attempt to impersonate law enforcement to deceive his targets.
While the investigation is ongoing, prosecutors emphasize that Boelter deliberately targeted political figures in a calculated act of violence — one that has left the state reeling and lawmakers on edge.
“There is never a place for this kind of political hate,” Yvette Hoffman wrote in her message shared by Sen. Klobuchar. “We are gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark.”
Boelter remains in custody at the Hennepin County Jail, with more charges expected as investigators continue to unravel the full extent of his plot.