'Cop Killer Costume': Vance Boelter's Alleged Hit Job
Vance Boelter's job was already unsettling — extracting eyeballs from corpses. But that eerie detail paled in comparison to what police say he did next: carry out a double assassination and spark the largest manhunt in Minnesota history.
What Happened That Night?
Authorities say the violence began early on June 14, when Boelter allegedly arrived at the Champlin, Minnesota, home of state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Disguised as a police officer, he knocked on their door, then opened fire — hitting Hoffman nine times and Yvette eight. Both survived and are now recovering.
About 90 minutes later, police say Boelter showed up at the Brooklyn Park home of Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Both were shot and killed. Their dog was also found dead.
Officers responding to the second scene reported exchanging gunfire with a man in a tactical vest who fled out the back door. In the driveway was an SUV registered to Boelter, emergency lights flashing and packed with weapons and documents listing other political figures.
Who Is Vance Boelter?
Boelter, 57, is a former funeral home worker who specialized in eye removal for organ donation programs. He lived in north Minneapolis, renting a room to be closer to his demanding shifts. His past also includes roles at 7-Eleven and in the food industry. He took mortuary science classes in 2023 and 2024 but was no longer enrolled at the time of the shootings.
Described by a roommate as reclusive but polite, Boelter allegedly thanked his housemates for their friendship hours before the attacks. Authorities later said he'd compiled a list of 45 Democratic officials — all reportedly targets.
The Capture and What Police Found
Boelter was arrested more than 40 hours after the shootings, found hiding in a field outside his home in Green Isle, Minnesota. During the arrest, he was armed. Investigators recovered 48 firearms, thousands in cash, a silicone mask, a ballistic vest, and a fake police badge. Search warrants later revealed a storage unit he rented days earlier, containing rifle cases and tactical gear.
Inside his abandoned SUV were AK-47s and notes targeting several pro-abortion rights lawmakers.
What About His Family?
Boelter's wife, Jenny, who is not accused of any crime, released a statement calling his alleged actions "a betrayal" and confirming her full cooperation with law enforcement, according to CBS News.
She also revealed she had received cryptic messages from Boelter that morning, warning her to leave home with their kids.
Jenny Boelter told investigators she initially had no idea what had happened. But within hours, she handed over weapons, cash, and evidence requested by agents.
The Bigger Picture
While officials haven't announced a motive, many, including Governor Tim Walz, believe the case represents a rare but chilling act of political violence. FBI agents described the attacks as "targeted" and planned "for several months," pointing to what they called "voluminous writings" found in Boelter's possession, according to NPR.
Boelter remains in federal custody and faces both state and federal charges of murder and attempted murder.
For now, the question lingers: how did a seemingly ordinary man with a grim but legal profession allegedly turn into one of Minnesota's most notorious suspected killers?
References: Accused Minnesota assassin Vance Boelter extracted eyeballs from corpses for a living — and was on call night of double murder | Wife of accused Minnesota lawmaker killer says husband's actions were "a betrayal" | The suspect in the shooting of 2 Minnesota lawmakers had a 'hit list' of 45 officials
