Minnesota Lawmaker Slayings Part of Chilling Hit List, Say Prosecutors

In what authorities are calling a meticulously planned and deeply disturbing act of political violence, 57-year-old Vance Boelter is accused of carrying out deadly attacks on Minnesota lawmakers — and he may have had dozens more targets in his sights.

Federal prosecutors say Boelter fatally shot former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their home over the weekend. Just hours earlier, he allegedly gunned down State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their nearby residence. Both survived the attack, though Sen. Hoffman remains hospitalized after undergoing multiple surgeries for nine gunshot wounds.

But the violence may have only scratched the surface of Boelter’s plans.

Dozens of Democrats on Target List

According to acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson, investigators uncovered extensive notes and writings detailing surveillance efforts and potential targets — all Democrats. Boelter’s hit list allegedly included more than 45 officials in Minnesota and elected leaders in at least three other states: Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

“He didn’t just pick names out of a hat,” Thompson said Monday. “This was deliberate, methodical, and the stuff of nightmares.”

Boelter had even made it to the homes of two additional Minnesota legislators on the night of the attacks, Thompson revealed. One lawmaker was out of town; the other avoided harm thanks to quick police response. Democratic Sen. Ann Rest confirmed she was one of those nearly targeted, crediting law enforcement with saving her life.

Disguised as a Cop, Armed with a Hit List

Boelter, authorities say, spent months preparing. He wore a tactical vest, carried a flashlight and a 9 mm handgun, and disguised himself in a realistic silicone mask while impersonating a police officer.

At the Hoffmans’ home, Boelter reportedly knocked and shouted, “This is police!” before announcing a robbery and opening fire when Sen. Hoffman tried to resist. Their daughter called 911 during the attack.

Police responded swiftly to the second crime scene, arriving at the Hortman residence just in time to see Boelter fatally shoot Mark Hortman through the doorway. Officers exchanged gunfire with Boelter, who fled the home, leaving behind a horrific scene. Melissa Hortman was found dead inside. The couple’s dog was also shot and later euthanized.

Arrest, Aftermath, and a Haunting Message

After a 48-hour manhunt, Boelter was captured in the woods near his rural Minnesota home late Sunday. Prosecutors charged him with federal murder and stalking — crimes that could bring the death penalty. He also faces multiple state charges, including murder and attempted murder.

Court documents reveal that Boelter texted family members following the killings, cryptically saying, “Dad went to war last night.” He warned them to stay away, fearing armed officers would descend on his home. Police later found his wife and children in a car with passports, $10,000 in cash, and two handguns.

Boelter also left behind a letter addressed to the FBI, signed as “Dr. Vance Luther Boulter,” in which he identified himself as “the shooter at large.”

No Clear Motive — Yet

Despite the extensive planning, authorities say Boelter left behind no clear explanation for his actions. While his notebooks listed search engines and details on abortion providers, health care centers, and community leaders, prosecutors have not found writings that pinpoint a specific political ideology or motive.

Boelter is known to have attended an evangelical church and Trump campaign events, and at one point served on a state workforce board alongside one of his alleged victims, Sen. Hoffman. Whether any personal grievance played a role remains unclear.

For now, lawmakers and law enforcement remain on high alert.

“This was a coordinated and targeted political attack,” Thompson said. “We were lucky it didn’t get even worse.”