Hoffman family sues alleged lawmaker shooter as feds weigh death penalty

The Hoffman family is suing accused shooter Vance Boelter after an attack that left multiple family members wounded and prosecutors weighing the death penalty. He appears in federal court Friday for a status conference to set a trial date and for prosecutors to decide whether to seek the federal death penalty.

The civil complaint details severe injuries and accuses Boelter of assaults and other harms. It says John Hoffman was shot nine times and has permanently lost full use of his left arm and hand. Yvette Hoffman was shot eight times and suffers ongoing physical weakness. Their daughter Hope witnessed the attack, rendered aid, and now has severe psychological trauma. The complaint alleges Boelter disguised himself as a police officer when he came to the Hoffmans' home in June 2025. Investigators later found a "hit list" naming multiple Minnesota lawmakers, including the Hoffmans. The suit seeks a jury trial and damages in excess of $50,000. It accuses Boelter of assault, battery, stalking, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Boelter is also accused of fatally shooting former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in Brooklyn Park before targeting state Sen. Ann Rest in New Hope. A two-day manhunt involving more than 20 SWAT teams ended with his arrest near his Green Isle home. Initial reporting emphasized the killings and the large manhunt, while newer coverage has added the Hoffmans' civil suit and the federal court step where prosecutors must decide on seeking the death penalty. FOX 9's recent stories highlighted the family's injuries, the alleged disguise and hit list, and the legal push for maximum damages, shifting public focus from the manhunt to long-term consequences for survivors.