Fact Check: Vance Boelter Charged with Murder of Minnesota Lawmakers
What We Know
On June 16, 2025, Vance Boelter was charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder in connection with the shootings of Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman and State Senator John Hoffman. The charges were filed in Hennepin County Court as part of a criminal complaint detailing the events surrounding the shootings, which occurred earlier that month (New York Times, NPR).
The complaint states that Boelter fatally shot Representative Hortman and her husband, Mark, and attempted to kill Senator Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were both injured during the attack (CBS News, Star Tribune). The shootings were described as politically motivated, with authorities indicating that Boelter had a list of potential targets, including several Democratic lawmakers (NPR, USA Today).
Analysis
The claims regarding Boelter's charges are corroborated by multiple reputable sources. The New York Times and NPR confirm that he faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder (New York Times, NPR). Additionally, CBS News and the Star Tribune provide similar accounts of the charges and the context of the shootings, reinforcing the reliability of the information (CBS News, Star Tribune).
The sources used in this fact-check are credible and well-established news organizations. The New York Times and NPR are known for their rigorous journalistic standards, while CBS News and the Star Tribune are reputable local news outlets with a history of accurate reporting. The consistency across these sources lends significant weight to the claim that Boelter has indeed been charged as stated.
However, it is also important to note that Boelter is expected to face additional charges, including first-degree murder, which would require a grand jury indictment (CNN, Hennepin County Attorney's Office). This indicates that while the initial charges are confirmed, the legal proceedings are ongoing and may evolve.
Conclusion
The claim that Vance Boelter has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder in connection with the shootings of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman is True. The information is supported by multiple credible sources and is consistent with the details provided in the criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County Court.
Sources
- Here's why state prosecutors started by charging second-degree murder. New York Times
- The suspect in the shooting of 2 Minnesota lawmakers had ... NPR
- How the Minnesota Shootings, Manhunt and Suspect's ... New York Times
- Vance Boelter went to other lawmakers' homes the night he killed Rep ... CBS News
- Live updates: Minnesota suspect Vance Boelter captured ... CNN
- Vance Boelter captured in Sibley County MN, charged with murder Star Tribune
- Boelter charged in shooting of Minnesota politicians Hortman, Hoffman USA Today
- Hennepin County Attorney's Office Hennepin County Attorney's Office
