Vance Boelter’s Bizarre Letter to FBI Director Kash Patel Revealed, Feds Say

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Federal authorities on Tuesday released pages from a handwritten letter allegedly authored by Vance Boelter, the man accused of killing Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.

The letter, bizarre and conspiratorial in tone, is addressed to current FBI director Kash Patel.

In the note, Boelter, 57, admits to the shootings and claims he was secretly trained by the U.S. military, sent on covert missions in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

He also alleges, without evidence, that Gov. Tim Walz ordered him to assassinate U.S. Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar. Boelter claims he refused to carry out this so-called order, which put his life and his family in jeopardy.

Officials have characterized the letter as a disturbing example of Boelter’s delusional mindset and violent intent.

The documents were released Tuesday as Boelter was formally indicted on six federal charges. He is accused of stalking and murdering Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as stalking and shooting State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

He also attempted to shoot their daughter, Hope Hoffman, authorities said.

"Vance Boelter planned and carried out a night of terror that shook Minnesota to its core," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson in a statement.

"He carried out targeted political assassinations the likes of which have never been seen in Minnesota. We grieve with the Hortman family and continue to pray for the recovery of the Hoffmans. Today, a grand jury indicted Boelter with the most serious of federal charges for these heinous political assassinations. Let me be clear: Boelter will see justice."

According to court documents, Boelter spent weeks researching and planning a violent attack targeting Minnesota’s elected officials and their families.

On the morning of June 14, authorities say Boelter disguised himself as a law enforcement officer and went door to door at the homes of Democratic lawmakers with the intent to intimidate and kill.

He first arrived at the Champlin home of State Sen. John Hoffman. By posing as a police officer, Boelter allegedly convinced the Hoffmans to open their door. He then shot both the senator and his wife, Yvette, and attempted to shoot their daughter, Hope.

Boelter then visited the homes of two additional elected officials, but no one was home. He ultimately drove to the Brooklyn Park residence of Rep. Melissa Hortman, where he shot and killed both Hortman and her husband, Mark.

After a two-day manhunt, Boelter was arrested near his family’s home in Green Isle, Minnesota.

He now faces six federal charges, including stalking resulting in death and attempted murder. Prosecutors say he could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.

"Last month, the State of Minnesota experienced fear and panic. Today, Vance Boelter was indicted by a federal grand jury, marking another step forward in our pursuit of justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis.