Feds won’t seek death penalty in plea deal with man accused of killing top Minnesota Democrat
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- US prosecutors announced they will not seek the death penalty in the plea agreement with Vance Boelter, charged with the political assassinations of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the attempted murders of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
- Boelter, 58, was captured after a large manhunt and faces federal and state charges; his state case is on hold pending the federal case resolution.
- The attacks occurred on June 14, 2025, when Boelter, disguised as a police officer and driving a fake squad car, shot the victims at their homes, severely injuring some and leading to the euthanization of the Hortmans’ dog.
- Prosecutors described the shootings as politically motivated, though Boelter’s motives remain unclear despite a handwritten letter confessing to the crimes and vague references to an investigation related to the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The victims have suffered permanent physical and psychological injuries, with lawsuits highlighting lasting damage to the Hoffmans and trauma experienced by their family members.