A brutal early morning attack left Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband dead, and Sen. John Hoffman and his wife seriously injured, in what Governor Tim Walz condemned as a “politically motivated assassination” attempt; suspect Vance Luther Boelter remains at large.
In a deeply troubling incident that has sent shockwaves through Minnesota and beyond, two Democratic state lawmakers—Representative Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman—were attacked in their homes in the early hours of Saturday, in what Governor Tim Walz has described as a “politically motivated assassination” attempt. Rep. Hortman and her husband Mark were killed, while Sen. Hoffman and his wife were seriously wounded. Police are now engaged in an urgent manhunt for the suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, who is believed to have impersonated a police officer during the coordinated attacks.
Who Were the Victims?
- Melissa Hortman, a veteran Democratic state representative from Brooklyn Park, served in the Minnesota House for two decades and was Speaker of the House from 2019 to 2025.
- She and her husband, Mark Hortman, were shot and killed at their home.
- Senator John Hoffman, also a Democrat representing Champlin, and his wife were shot multiple times, underwent surgery, and are recovering.
Timeline of the Attacks
- The first emergency call came in at 2:00 a.m. local time, reporting gunshots at Hoffman’s residence in Brooklyn Park.
- A second call was made at 3:35 a.m. when officers went to check on Hortman’s home in nearby Champlin.
- Police exchanged gunfire with the suspect at the scene but he escaped, triggering a citywide manhunt.
- Investigators say the suspect used a vehicle made to resemble a police car, along with a badge and uniform, allowing him to pose as law enforcement.
Who Is the Suspect?
The manhunt is focused on 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, a former political appointee and security contractor with experience in Africa and the Middle East.
Key details about Boelter:
- Previously served on the state workforce development board alongside Sen. Hoffman.
- Authorities have not confirmed whether Boelter personally knew either lawmaker.
- A manifesto and target list were found in Boelter’s vehicle, according to Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley.
- U.S. Senator Tina Smith was named on the list, her office confirmed.
- Before disappearing, Boelter texted friends: “I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly… I wish it hadn’t gone this way.”
Political Reactions and Fallout
The attack has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum.
- President Donald Trump released a statement saying, “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated.”
- Senator Amy Klobuchar called it “an attack on everything we stand for as a democracy.”
- Governor Tim Walz advised residents to avoid protest gatherings across Minnesota and the U.S., out of caution.
These attacks follow a series of recent violent threats against elected officials:
- President Trump survived two assassination attempts in 2024.
- In April 2025, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home was targeted in an arson attack.
A Nation on Edge: The Broader Context
This shocking violence has intensified concerns about the rise of politically motivated attacks in the United States. The Minnesota tragedy adds to a growing list of high-profile assaults on public officials, raising urgent questions about the safety of elected representatives, the impact of polarization, and the need for security reforms.
With the suspect still on the loose and communities on high alert, the focus now turns to preventing further violence—and ensuring that democracy isn’t shaken by fear.