Minnesota Lawmakers Targeted in Political Shooting: One Killed, Another Wounded

In a chilling and violent turn of events, Minnesota was rocked by two targeted shootings that left one prominent lawmaker and her husband dead, and another senator wounded. The attacks, which took place in the early hours of June 14, appear to have been politically motivated and have sparked nationwide concern about the safety of public officials.

John Hoffman and Melissa Hortman; Photos: Minnesota Legislature

The first incident occurred just after 2 a.m. at the Champlin home of State Senator John Hoffman. Authorities say an armed man entered the property and opened fire, injuring both Senator Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. The couple was rushed to the hospital and is expected to recover, according to police statements.

But the violence didn’t stop there.

Shortly after the first shooting, the suspect traveled to Brooklyn Park — a quiet suburb about 20 minutes away — where former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, lived. The attacker reportedly impersonated a police officer, using an SUV outfitted with emergency lights to gain access to the property. There, he fatally shot both Melissa and Mark Hortman before exchanging gunfire with responding officers. The suspect managed to flee the scene, sparking a large-scale manhunt across the Twin Cities.

On June 14, 2025, a Brooklyn Park police officer stops a vehicle to speak with the driver as they enter the
neighborhood during the active investigation.

Police later identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter. When officers searched his abandoned vehicle, they discovered disturbing items — including a handwritten manifesto and a list of around 70 political figures. The contents of the manifesto suggested deep political anger and extreme views, particularly on abortion. Law enforcement officials and the governor have said that all evidence points to this being a politically motivated assassination attempt.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz responded quickly, ordering flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Melissa Hortman. At a press conference, he called the attack “an assault on our democracy,” and pledged full support to law enforce
ment working to capture the suspect.

The violence has shaken not only Minnesota but the nation. Federal authorities, including the FBI, are now involved in the investigation. In Washington, emergency meetings were held in Congress to discuss increasing security for lawmakers and public officials. Prominent figures from both major parties condemned the attack, calling it a horrific act that threatens the fabric of civil discourse in America.

The shootings also had an immediate impact on public life. Authorities urged the cancellation of a scheduled “No Kings” rally and advised caution around political events, citing credible threats.

FBR most wanted Ss.

As the manhunt continues, Minnesota residents are left in grief and shock. Tributes are pouring in for Melissa Hortman — remembered as a passionate leader and dedicated public servant — and her husband Mark. Meanwhile, prayers and support are being offered for Senator Hoffman and his wife as they recover from their injuries.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the rising risks public officials face in today’s polarized political climate, and the urgent need for vigilance, unity, and justice.

What to Know About the Minnesota Lawmaker Shootings

A deadly, politically driven attack took place overnight in Minnesota, targeting two state lawmakers and their spouses. Here's the key information:

1.      Who was affected

o    Melissa Hortman, former Minnesota House Speaker and current House Democrat leader, and her husband, Mark, were killed at their Brooklyn Park home.

o    Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot but are expected to recover.

2.      What happened

o    Around 2 a.m. on June 14, shots rang out at Senator Hoffman's home in Champlin, about 22 miles north of Minneapolis.

o    The suspect then went to the Hortmans’ home in Brooklyn Park, posing as a police officer and driving an SUV made to look like a squad car. He exchanged fire with real officers and escaped.

3.      Who is the suspect

o    Authorities have identified 57‑year‑old Vance Luther Boelter as the suspect. He was believed to be impersonating an officer and had a manifesto and a list of about 70 political figures in his vehicle.

4.      Motive and context

o    Governor Tim Walz and other officials called the attack a “politically motivated assassination.” The vehicle contained anti‑abortion and political content, but investigators are still working to confirm all motives.

5.      The response

o    A massive manhunt is underway across the Twin Cities.

o    Governor Walz ordered flags at half-staff to honor Hortman.

o    Security concerns are rising nationwide: Congress held emergency meetings about lawmaker safety.

6.      Aftermath for public events

o    Minnesota police and the governor urged people to cancel “No Kings” rallies due to safety fears. Many events were postponed or called off.

7.      National reaction

o    Leaders from both parties, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar, former President Biden, and Sen. Tom Emmer, condemned the violence as an attack on democracy.