Boelter death penalty decision in hands of Trump administration

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi will make the decision whether to seek a death sentence against Vance Boelter. He is being charged in the murder of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark.

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National News

June 20, 2025 - 2:43 PM

Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson addresses the media Monday in Minneapolis about the federal charges against Vance Boelter. Photo by Elizabeth Flores/The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS

MINNEAPOLIS — The decision whether to seek a death sentence against Vance Boelter will ultimately lie in the hands of the Trump administration’s attorney general, a vocal supporter of capitol punishment.

Federal charges filed against Boelter carry the possibility of the death penalty. The Green Isle man is accused of stalking, then fatally shooting, Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark this past weekend. Interim U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said earlier this week it’s “too early to tell” if prosecutors will seek Boelter be put to death if found…

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