At a June 27 court appearance in St. Paul, Minnesota, accused assassin Vance Boelter commented on jail conditions, as if surprised to learn that the Sherburne County Jail is far from the luxurious accommodations one might find in a hotel.
Represented by public defender Manny Atwal, Boelter—a 57‑year‑old from Green Isle, Minnesota—asked U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko to postpone his detention hearing, citing severe sleep deprivation and intolerable conditions.
Claims of severe sleep deprivation and unsanitary conditions
Sherburne County Sheriff Joel Brott with an epic comeback statement after Boelter's court hearing: pic.twitter.com/cBBsfuyq2w
— Lou Raguse (@LouRaguse) June 27, 2025
At his court appearance, Boelter claimed he had not slept for “12 to 14 days” due to constant lighting, doors slamming throughout the night, and being confined to a mat without a pillow while wearing a suicide‑prevention smock.
His attorney also noted that an adjacent inmate had smeared feces on the wall, further exacerbating the situation.
Sheriff Joel Brott of Sherburne County vehemently countered the claims, expressing strong disagreement with Boelter’s account. Brott declared that Boelter “is not in a hotel, he’s in jail.”
Brott also described Boelter’s complaints as “offensive and disgusting,” especially given the gravity of the charges he’s facing.
Still, the judge agreed to delay the hearing until July 3 to accommodate the defense’s request. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors did not oppose the delay and even expressed “serious concerns” about his condition, prompting local authorities to review his detention circumstances.
During the hearing, Boelter said, “I appreciate the extension so I can get some sleep. I’ve never been suicidal, and I am not suicidal now,” even though he was dressed in a green padded suicide‑prevention garment.
Video surveillance tells a different story
Statement from Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office where Vance Boelter is being held.
— Minnesota Lady America First
He lied about conditions and not getting sleep. pic.twitter.com/WTyv2SYn3z(@BubbyBlu29353) June 27, 2025
Meanwhile, video surveillance, it was further revealed, showed Boelter resting peacefully for seven hours between Thursday night and Friday morning, directly refuting his claim of no sleep.
Jail officials also clarified that lights are purposely kept on 24/7 for welfare checks, the cell is clean, the mat includes an integrated pillow, he receives daily meals, phone access, and showers, just like other inmates.
What did Vance Boelter allegedly do?
VANCE BOELTER when asked abt delaying today's hearing because of alleged deplorable jailhouse conditions:
— Paul Blume (@PaulBlume_FOX9) June 27, 2025
“Your honor, I haven’t really slept in 12-14 days… I appreciate the motion.. understand and agree to that.. I have never been suicidal. And I am not suicidal now.” @FOX9
These jail complaints came just as Boelter, who is facing both state and federal charges, stands accused of fatally shooting Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their Brooklyn Park home in the early hours of June 14, as part of what federal authorities believe was a politically motivated assassination plot targeting Democratic officials.
Before that, he allegedly shot State Senator John Hoffman and his wife at their Champlin home; both survived. Prosecutors discovered a fabricated police vehicle fitted with a list of potential targets and detailed plans in his possession.
If convicted, Boelter could face the death penalty prosecution under federal law. In total, Boelter faces six federal counts—which include murder, stalking, using a firearm during a stalking incident—and four state counts for second‑degree murder and attempted murder.
The public and officials’ responses are sharply divided. While Boelter claims inhumane treatment behind bars, the sheriff retorts that he’s been granted the standard protections afforded to any inmate no more, no less. Whether these complaints will influence where and how he’s detained remains to be seen. The next pivotal hearing is scheduled for July 3 in the Warren E. Burger Federal Building in St. Paul.
