Deadly Attacks Target Minnesota Lawmakers: One Couple Killed, Another Survives 17 Bullet Hits
Shockwaves are reverberating across Minnesota following coordinated early morning attacks on two state lawmakers and their spouses. The incidents tragically resulted in one couple being killed, while a second couple survived, enduring multiple gunshot wounds in what authorities are investigating as a “politically motivated assassination” attempt.
Senator John Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman Survive Horrific Attack
State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, are “incredibly lucky to be alive” after being shot a combined 17 times during the assault at their home in Champlin. Yvette Hoffman confirmed the harrowing details, stating that John was hit by 9 bullets and she by 8.
In a powerful statement shared via Senator Amy Klobuchar, Yvette described her husband as undergoing numerous surgeries, noting he was “closer every hour to being out of the woods.” She also expressed devastation over the loss of their colleagues and friends, condemning the violence, saying, “There is never a place for this kind of political hate.”
Reports indicate Yvette may have heroically shielded their adult daughter, Hope, who has spina bifida, using her body to protect her during the gunfire. Senator Hoffman previously cited his daughter’s health as a motivation for entering state politics.
Tragedy Strikes Representative Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman
Approximately eight miles away in Brooklyn Park, State Representative Melissa Hortman, a prominent figure who served as House Speaker for years, and her husband, Mark, were tragically shot and killed at their residence.
Both the Hoffmans and the Hortmans were members of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), affiliated with the national Democratic Party.
Suspect Posed as Police Officer, Targeted DFL Officials
Authorities have identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter. Investigators say Boelter was heavily disguised during the attacks, wearing a latex mask and posing as a police officer, even utilizing a vehicle that resembled a police car with flashing emergency lights to gain access.
The attack on the Hoffmans occurred around 2:00 AM local time, followed shortly after by the deadly assault on the Hortmans’ home around 3:35 AM. When officers arrived at the Hortmans’ residence, they exchanged gunfire with the suspect before he managed to flee on foot, abandoning his vehicle.
A critical piece of evidence recovered from another vehicle used by the suspect was a target list. This list reportedly contained the names of numerous prominent Minnesota Democratic politicians, including Governor Tim Walz, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, US Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and State Attorney General Keith Ellison. Locations for Planned Parenthood were also allegedly included.
Given the victims’ political affiliation and the discovered target list, the motive appears clear. Senator Amy Klobuchar stated the attack was “clearly, politically motivated,” a sentiment echoed by Governor Walz who called it a “politically motivated assassination” attempt.
Statewide Manhunt and Capture
The search for Boelter triggered what police described as the “largest manhunt in the state’s history,” involving multiple agencies and extending across state lines into South Dakota. The FBI added Boelter to its most-wanted list and offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
An unoccupied black sedan linked to the suspect was found in Sibley County, about 50 miles from the murder scene, alongside a cowboy hat similar to one Boelter was believed to be wearing. Boelter’s wife was also briefly detained and questioned during a traffic stop with relatives but was later released after cooperating.
The manhunt concluded late Sunday night when Boelter was located and arrested near the village of Green Isle in Sibley County. He was found hiding in a rural wooded area and was taken into custody “without any use of force,” though he was armed at the time. Authorities believe Boelter acted alone.
Boelter’s background reportedly includes experience in security, military training, and serving as a pastor. He had also previously served on the same state workforce development board as Senator Hoffman, although the nature of their relationship or any potential connection to the motive remains unclear. His criminal history in Minnesota reportedly consisted only of traffic violations.
Community Impact and Official Reactions
The attacks have profoundly affected the suburban communities where they occurred. Neighbors expressed shock and sadness over the violence in their typically quiet areas, mourning the loss of the Hortmans and reeling from the brutality directed at the Hoffmans.
Leaders across the political spectrum condemned the violence. Beyond Governor Walz and Senator Klobuchar’s strong statements, President Donald Trump also called the incident “a terrible thing.” Authorities also criticized Boelter’s exploitation of trust by impersonating law enforcement.
The investigation into the full scope and motive behind the attacks continues.
