Minnesota Lawmakers Shot: Hortman Dead, Hoffman Injured

In one of the most disturbing acts of politically motivated violence in recent U.S. history, former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, 55, and her husband Mark Hortman, 58, were shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park home early Friday morning. Around the same time, Democratic State Senator John Hoffman, 60, and his wife Yvette, 60, were critically injured in a separate shooting at their Champlin residence.

Authorities have identified the gunman as Vance Luther Boelter, 57, a former political appointee and security contractor. The suspect is currently on the run and is considered armed and dangerous. A $50,000 reward has been announced by the FBI for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

Disturbing 911 Calls Reveal Chaos and Carnage

Emergency audio obtained from local authorities provides a harrowing glimpse into the moments after the attacks.

At Senator John Hoffman’s Home in Champlin

• Officers were first alerted to a shooting at the Hoffman residence around 2:00 a.m. on June 14.
• Dispatchers reported that Senator Hoffman had sustained gunshot wounds to the elbow and abdomen, with “bleeding in his stomach” and a distended abdomen suggesting internal injury.
• His wife, Yvette Hoffman, was also shot three times—twice in the abdomen and once in the arm.
• Both were rushed to the hospital. As of Saturday morning, they are stable following emergency surgery, according to hospital officials.
  

At Rep. Melissa Hortman’s Home in Brooklyn Park

• About 90 minutes later, around 3:35 a.m., police conducted a welfare check at Rep. Hortman’s home.
• One victim was found in cardiac arrest; another had already died before emergency crews arrived.
• The suspect had barricaded himself inside the home and opened fire on arriving officers, who returned fire before the suspect fled the scene on foot.

Suspect Identified as Vance Boelter: Ex-Appointee Turned Fugitive

The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, has a known history in Minnesota’s political circles, having served on the Workforce Development Board. He also ran a private security firm and reportedly had military-style training.

Authorities revealed shocking details about Boelter’s actions and intent:

• He allegedly impersonated a police officer, wearing a latex mask, tactical vest, badge, and driving a vehicle outfitted with emergency lights.
• A search of his abandoned SUV yielded multiple AK-style firearms, ammunition, and a “hit list” targeting over 70 Democratic leaders—including Gov. Tim Walz, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Sen. Tina Smith.
• Investigators also found a manifesto, anti-government literature, and propaganda materials referencing the extremist group “No Kings.”

Authorities believe the shootings were coordinated and ideologically driven, describing them as “domestic terrorism.”

Timeline of the Attacks

Victims Remembered for Public Service

Melissa Hortman

• Served in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2005 and as Speaker from 2019–2025.
• Known for championing renewable energy, abortion access, and environmental protections.
• Remembered as a progressive leader, wife, and mother of two.
• Described by colleagues as “a fearless voice for justice.”
  

Mark Hortman

• A devoted husband and father, often seen supporting his wife’s political events.
  
• His death alongside his wife has left the community in mourning.
  

Sen. John Hoffman & Yvette

• Hoffman has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2013.
• Advocated for education reform, mental health services, and disability rights.
• Both he and Yvette are recovering after undergoing multiple surgeries.

Police Recover Weapons and “Hit List”

Among the items found in the suspect’s SUV and home:

• High-powered firearms, including AK-47-style rifles.
  
• Detailed list of targets, mostly prominent Minnesota Democrats.
  
• Surveillance tools, radios, tactical gear.
  
• Anti-Trump and anti-establishment flyers from a group called “No Kings.”
  
• A manifesto expressing hatred for the government and left-wing politics.
  

Boelter had also appeared at multiple “No Kings” protests, which he seemingly co-opted for his own extremist motives, authorities say.

Leaders Nationwide Condemn the Violence

Political leaders from both sides of the aisle responded swiftly.

• Gov. Tim Walz: Called the act a “targeted political assassination.”
• President Biden: Condemned the “brutal and calculated attack on democracy.”
• Sen. Amy Klobuchar: Said, “We will not be intimidated by those who use violence to silence public servants.”
• Donald Trump: Urged full prosecution and praised law enforcement response.
• Sen. Chuck Schumer and Speaker Mike Johnson both called for greater protection of public officials.

Nationwide Manhunt Underway

The FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are leading the search.
Boelter was last seen:

• Wearing a light cowboy hat
• Dark long-sleeve shirt or jacket
• Light-colored pants
• Carrying a dark bag

He is armed and extremely dangerous. Officials urge the public to:

Call 911, the FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or email tips to mn.bca@state.mn.us.

Public Safety at Risk: A Wake-Up Call?

The shootings have renewed national conversations about:

• Political extremism
• Domestic terrorism
• The safety of public officials
  

Minnesota lawmakers have since called for increased funding for state security, with additional armed protection for those listed in the suspect’s hit list.

What began as a routine early Friday in Minnesota ended in tragedy that reverberated across the nation. The killings of Melissa and Mark Hortman, the near-fatal shooting of the Hoffmans, and the elaborate planning behind these attacks signal a deeply unsettling chapter in America’s political climate.

As the manhunt continues, law enforcement and citizens alike remain on edge, hoping justice will be swift, and peace will return to a shaken community.

The Information is Collected from CBS News and ABC News.