Minnesota ‘assassin’ Vance Boelter arrested, charged with SECOND-DEGREE murder…but he could still face execution

June 16, 2025 – In a dramatic close to Minnesota’s largest manhunt in recent memory, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter has been arrested for the weekend shootings that left former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark dead, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette critically wounded. He now faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder, with further charges under review.

Key Facts at a Glance

• The Manhunt: Boelter was captured after a 43-hour multi-agency search involving over 20 SWAT teams. Authorities found him hiding in a field outside Green Isle, Minnesota. He surrendered by crawling toward officers, reportedly armed and wearing camouflage.
• Deceptive Entry: Boelter impersonated a law enforcement officer to gain access to his victims, using a fake police SUV outfitted with lights and insignia. This ruse allowed him to approach targets with little suspicion.
• Evidence Recovered: A detailed hit list containing names of nearly 70 individuals—including lawmakers, pro-abortion activists, and community leaders—was found in his vehicle, suggesting the attacks were politically motivated and premeditated.

⚖️ Legal Charges & What’s Next

• Current Charges: Boelter has been formally charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder. Each charge carries a sentence of up to 40 years in prison under Minnesota law.
• More to Come? Prosecutors are considering whether to escalate the charges to first-degree murder, which would require proving premeditation. Federal charges such as domestic terrorism are also on the table due to the politically charged nature of the crimes.

️ Public Response

• Minnesota’s Governor praised law enforcement’s swift action, calling the incident a “cowardly and deliberate attack on democracy.”
• Lawmakers from both parties condemned the violence and called for increased security and protection for elected officials and public servants.
• Citizens across the state gathered in candlelight vigils to honor the victims and express solidarity with the Hoffman and Hortman families.

❗ Federal Charges Could Bring Death Penalty

Though Minnesota does not have the death penalty, Boelter could still face execution if federal prosecutors pursue terrorism or civil rights-related charges. Under federal law, certain crimes—especially those involving elected officials and politically targeted violence—may be eligible for capital punishment.

Final Thoughts

The arrest of Vance Boelter has brought some relief and justice to a shaken community. But it also highlights a disturbing trend of politically motivated violence. As investigators piece together his motives and history, the nation watches closely—hoping for justice, accountability, and urgent reforms that prevent such acts in the future.