Charge Vance Boelter with Terrorism: Demand State Accountability
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
On June 14th, 2025, four Minnesotans were brutally shot in their homes by a man impersonating a police officer. This was not random — it was a calculated act of political terror.
House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were murdered. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were severely wounded. The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, left behind a hit list, escape plan, weapons cache, and a political motive. He must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law — in Minnesota, where his crimes were committed.
Boelter maintained a far-right worldview, blending Christian nationalism, anti-government ideology, and authoritarian reverence for policing and violence. Like other far-right terrorists, Boelter didn’t act alone in his beliefs — he acted on a political vision that is being stoked by powerful figures nationwide.
We cannot allow this case to be quietly absorbed into the federal system where future presidential pardons may interfere with justice. State-level prosecution offers the most direct path to accountability, transparency, and democratic control.
This isn’t just about one man — it’s about protecting our communities, our representatives, and our democracy from politically motivated violence. We call on Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to classify this as terrorism, and prosecute it as such under state law.
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To:
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
From:
[Your Name]
Attorney General Ellison,
I am writing to urge your office to pursue state-level prosecution of Vance Luther Boelter for the targeted, politically motivated shootings committed on June 14, 2025. These attacks — which claimed the lives of former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and critically injured Senator John Hoffman and his wife — were not isolated acts of violence. They were premeditated, ideological assaults intended to terrorize elected officials and disrupt democratic governance.
According to publicly available evidence, Mr. Boelter maintained a “hit list” of political figures, amassed weapons and tactical gear, and impersonated law enforcement to gain access to his victims. These actions constitute clear violations under Minnesota Statute 609.714, which defines terrorism as violent criminal acts “committed with the intent to terrorize, intimidate, or coerce others,” especially in pursuit of political or ideological goals.
Given the gravity of these crimes, and the public interest in full transparency and accountability, I respectfully request that your office charge Vance Boelter under §609.714 and prosecute him within the Minnesota state court system. Doing so would ensure that this case remains subject to democratic oversight and insulated from the possibility of federal intervention or pardon. In a different political climate, these precautions would not be necessary; however, the presidential pardon of the perpetrators of the January 6th coup attempt in addition to the now common pardon-for-sale scheme demonstrates that justice cannot be expected at the federal level.
While the federal government may pursue its own prosecution, I urge the State of Minnesota not to defer this matter and assert its independent authority. State prosecution also ensures a more transparent process for Minnesota residents and may better serve victims and communities directly affected. Minnesotans have the right to expect that our state will take strong action against conduct that fosters fear.
Justice must be served — not only for the victims and their families, but for all Minnesotans who believe in a future free from political violence.
Sincerely,