By Somali Media of Minnesota | July 16, 2025
The man accused of carrying out the deadliest political attack in Minnesota’s modern history plans to plead not guilty, his attorney said this week.
Vance Boelter, 57, faces six federal charges, including murder, attempted murder, and firearms violations, following a shocking series of shootings that killed Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
The U.S. Department of Justice is weighing the death penalty, a rare move in Minnesota, which abolished capital punishment at the state level in 1911. However, federal charges filed under the Trump administration’s revived death penalty protocols could override that history.
“Political Assassination” in Minnesota
According to U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, the killings were not random.
“We view this as a political assassination,” Thompson said during a Tuesday press briefing. He added that the attack on Sen. Hoffman was an attempted assassination.
Authorities allege Boelter disguised himself as a police officer, drove a fake squad car, and attacked the victims at their homes in Champlin and Brooklyn Park on the morning of June 14.
Boelter allegedly shot Senator Hoffman nine times, and his wife, Yvette, eight times. Hours later, he allegedly went to the Hortmans’ home and fatally shot both the Speaker and her husband. Even the family dog was so badly injured that it had to be put down.
Investigators say Boelter left behind a handwritten confession letter, addressed to FBI Director Kash Patel, claiming responsibility — but offering no clear motive.
Questions, Fear, and Community Impact
For many Minnesotans — including the large immigrant community — the shootings have sparked deep concern over rising political violence, safety of public officials, and the fragility of democracy.
“This is something we hear about in other countries. To see it here — in Minnesota — it shakes you,” said one Somali community member at a vigil for the victims in Brooklyn Park.
Boelter, described by some as an evangelical conservative struggling with unemployment, allegedly kept lists of Democratic lawmakers and national attorneys. But he denies being motivated by his support for Trump or his anti-abortion views, offering no clear explanation.
“There is little evidence showing why he turned to political violence and extremism,” said U.S. Attorney Thompson.
The lack of clarity only deepens the worry for many, especially Black, Muslim, and immigrant communities who already feel vulnerable in the current political climate.
Death Penalty Back in Minnesota?
Boelter’s trial is scheduled to begin November 3, though his attorney, Manny Atwal, said that timeline is “very unlikely” due to the massive volume of evidence and the complexity of a death penalty case.
It will ultimately be U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi who decides whether to pursue capital punishment — with input from DOJ’s Capital Case Unit and local prosecutors.
If pursued, it would be the first federal death penalty case in Minnesota in decades, a move that has already sparked controversy in legal circles and among human rights advocates.
What’s Next?
Boelter is currently being held in Sherburne County Jail, where he has complained about conditions. The sheriff’s office has denied his claims. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 12, where he will be formally arraigned and expected to plead not guilty.
As Minnesota grapples with the tragedy, local leaders and communities — especially those historically targeted by political violence — are calling for unity, safety, and justice.
“We must make sure our state remains a place of peace and participation,” said one Somali-American elected official. “We cannot allow fear or violence to take root here.”
