A Minnesota judge has imposed a temporary gag order on all parties in the state case against Vance Boelter, preventing the defendant, victims, lawyers, witnesses and court staff from making public comments about the proceedings.
The order was issued in Hennepin County on Wednesday, September 30, after competing applications from prosecutors and Boelter’s defence team. It bars those covered from sharing information, opinions, legal strategies, plans or potential evidence connected to the case, whether directly or through another person. ([fox9.com](https://www.fox9.com/news/minnesota-lawmakers-shootings-judge-temporary-gag-order-all-parties-victims-sept-30-2026))
The restriction also applies to material that has already been written, recorded or otherwise prepared but has not yet been made public. Employees, agents and independent contractors working for lawyers are included within its scope.
Temporary gag order in Vance Boelter case
Boelter’s lawyers had asked the court to silence state Senator John Hoffman, his wife Yvette and their daughter Hope, who survived the June 2025 attack, along with other potential witnesses.
Prosecutors said they did not oppose restrictions on public statements, but argued that any order should apply equally to everyone involved — including Boelter and anyone writing or posting on his behalf. The defence application followed comments by the Hoffman family criticising Boelter’s legal arguments and the handling of the case. ([startribune.com](https://www.startribune.com/boelter-hoffman-gag-order-motion/601894997))
Boelter, who remains in custody, has communicated with an intermediary who has published his views on a Substack blog. His defence team argued in a court filing that there was no evidence the posts posed a danger. Prosecutors have raised concerns about the effect of his online statements and what they describe as prejudicial claims about the case. ([fox9.com](https://www.fox9.com/news/minnesota-lawmakers-shootings-judge-temporary-gag-order-all-parties-victims-sept-30-2026))
The temporary order is expected to remain in force until at least Monday, October 5, when Judge Juan Hoyos is due to hear further arguments on the competing requests. The hearing is also expected to address whether the trial should be delayed.
Boelter’s state trial is currently scheduled to begin on November 2. His lawyers have requested a continuance, saying they need more time to review the evidence and prepare what they describe as an adequate defence, despite Boelter having previously sought a speedy trial. ([startribune.com](https://www.startribune.com/judge-to-issue-temporary-gag-order-in-vance-boelter-state-murder-case/601895834))
The state prosecution is separate from the federal case, in which Boelter pleaded guilty to charges arising from the attacks and was sentenced in July to two consecutive life terms followed by 40 years in prison.
Federal prosecutors said Boelter admitted killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and shooting John and Yvette Hoffman. Hennepin County prosecutors are pursuing additional state charges, including first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder counts. ([hennepinattorney.org](https://www.hennepinattorney.org/news/news/2026/July/boelter-case))
