Plea Deal for Vance Boelter in Minnesota Murder Case

Federal prosecutors informed a judge on Wednesday about a plea deal with Vance Boelter, charged with the assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband in a politically motivated attack.

The Justice Department’s letter outlined a ‘proposed plea agreement’ and requested a hearing for Mr. Boelter to change his plea to guilty. They will not pursue the death penalty. The court filing’s public version did not reveal the agreement’s specifics.

Mr. Boelter faced charges in both federal and state court for fatally shooting State Representative Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, and her husband, Mark. He was also accused of shooting and injuring State Senator John A. Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette.

Lawyers for Boelter and the Justice Department did not respond to comment requests. Judge John R. Tunheim scheduled the plea hearing for Thursday morning.

Department officials noted that prosecutors did not pursue the death penalty owing to uncertainty about the stalking charges against Mr. Boelter qualifying him for capital punishment.

Federal prosecutors can recommend the death penalty when a crime involves a firearm and leads to murder. There is ambiguity around whether stalking is a violent crime per court precedent.

“Prosecutors worked hard on this case to make sure he was held accountable to the fullest extent possible,” said Justice Department spokeswoman Emily Covington.

Minnesota lacks a state crime death penalty, yet federal prosecutors initially suggested capital punishment as an option. It’s unclear if the federal plea agreement affects the state court case against Mr. Boelter.

Mr. Boelter allegedly attacked Minnesota legislators at their homes one night last June, disguised as a police officer. The shootings prompted a protracted manhunt and heightened concerns about rising political violence in the U.S.

Documents in Mr. Boelter’s SUV, disguised as a police vehicle, contained names of numerous political figures, prosecutors stated.

Ms. Hortman, a former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, had a legal background and served as a legislator for nearly 20 years. She notably facilitated various bills in 2023 when Democrats controlled a narrow majority, addressing issues like expanded abortion rights, legalized recreational marijuana, and mandatory paid family and medical leave.

Mr. Hortman, with an electrical manufacturing career, was remembered by friends as an engaged and supportive political partner, known for his humor and sports enthusiasm.