Deadly Targeted Attack Shakes Minnesota Politics
A politically motivated shooting has sent shockwaves through Minnesota, resulting in the death of a state lawmaker and her husband, while a state senator and his wife miraculously survived after being shot a combined 17 times. The targeted attacks, which occurred in suburban Minneapolis early Saturday morning, are believed to be fueled by political hate, according to authorities.
State Representative Melissa Hortman, a prominent Democratic legislator who previously served as House Speaker, and her husband, Mark Hortman, were tragically shot and killed at their home in Brooklyn Park. Just eight miles away in Champlin, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, also came under attack but survived the brutal assault.
Survivors Speak Out: “Incredibly Lucky to Be Alive”
Yvette Hoffman shared a powerful statement via Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Instagram, expressing profound relief and devastation. “John is enduring many surgeries right now and is closer every hour to being out of the woods,” she wrote. Detailing the severity of their injuries, she added, “He took 9 bullet hits. I took 8 and we are both incredibly lucky to be alive.”
The Hoffmans were also deeply affected by the loss of their colleagues. “We are gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark. We have no words,” Yvette Hoffman stated, condemning the violence. “There is never a place for this kind of political hate.” Accounts shared by a relative indicated Yvette Hoffman acted heroically during the attack, shielding her adult daughter, Hope, with her body to save her life. Hope, who is in her 20s, was born with spina bifida, a condition Senator Hoffman has cited as a motivation for his political career.
Suspect Identified in Targeted Killings
Authorities have identified the alleged gunman as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter. Police say Boelter was disguised as a police officer during the attacks, wearing a latex mask and using a vehicle that resembled a police car, complete with flashing emergency lights.
The timeline of the attacks places the shooting at the Hoffmans’ home around 2:00 AM Saturday, followed shortly after by the deadly assault on the Hortmans at approximately 3:35 AM. Police responded to the Hortman residence and exchanged gunfire with the suspect, but he managed to flee the scene on foot, abandoning his vehicle.
Political Motive Confirmed by Authorities
Investigators quickly established a political motive behind the violence. From another vehicle used by the suspect, authorities recovered a chilling target list containing the names of several prominent Minnesota Democratic politicians. This list reportedly included Governor Tim Walz, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, along with State Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Both Governor Walz and Senator Klobuchar have publicly confirmed the political nature of the attacks. Speaking to NBC News, Senator Klobuchar stated, “Clearly, this is politically motivated.” The targeted lawmakers, Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, are both members of Minnesota’s Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party.
Intense Manhunt Underway
A widespread manhunt for Vance Luther Boelter is actively ongoing, with police extending their search efforts across state lines into South Dakota. The FBI has added Boelter to its most-wanted list and is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
Significant leads in the search emerged on Sunday when an unoccupied black sedan linked to the suspect was discovered in Sibley County, located about 50 miles from the crime scenes. A cowboy hat, believed to be similar to one Boelter was wearing, was also found nearby. Local residents in Sibley County were alerted via mobile phones, advised to keep their doors locked and vehicles secured as the suspect remained at large.
Earlier on Saturday morning, Boelter’s wife, Jenny Boelter, was briefly detained along with three relatives during a traffic stop more than 100 miles from their home. However, she was released without charges due to her cooperation with the investigation. Information regarding Boelter’s background suggests he has past training in security and the military and has also served as a pastor.
Community Grapples with Shock and Grief
The attacks have deeply shaken the typically quiet suburban communities affected. Neighbors of the Hortmans in Brooklyn Park described them as “very nice neighbors” and expressed profound shock at the violence in their peaceful neighborhood. The sight of police cars and yellow caution tape surrounding the Hortmans’ home served as a stark reminder of the tragic events. Residents spoke of texting each other in disbelief, mourning the loss and the suspected political motivations behind the crime.
