In a tragic and unprecedented incident, two Minnesota lawmakers were attacked in their homes, leading to one fatality and serious injuries in what Governor Tim Walz described as a “politically motivated assassination.” The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, has been apprehended following a widespread manhunt and faces multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree murder.
The victims: A legacy of service
The deceased, state representative Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Mark, were shot in their Brooklyn Park home. Hortman had an extensive political career spanning 20 years, serving as the speaker of the Minnesota House from 2019 to 2025. Throughout her tenure, she championed significant progressive legislation, including expanding abortion rights and legalizing recreational marijuana. Known for her bipartisan efforts, her recent support for a bill restricting healthcare access for undocumented immigrants highlighted her complexity as a lawmaker.
Meanwhile, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, survived the attack despite being struck by a combined total of 17 bullets. After undergoing surgery, Yvette shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing gratitude for their survival while mourning the loss of their colleagues. “We are gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark. We have no words. There is never a place for this kind of political hate,” she wrote in her statement.
Details of the attack and the suspect’s background
Law enforcement reported that the assaults occurred during the early hours of Saturday in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota. Initial police calls began shortly after 2:00 AM regarding an incident at Senator Hoffman’s residence, with a second call following shortly after concerning Hortman’s home. Officers discovered an individual resembling a police officer emerging from Hortman’s residence who opened fire before fleeing.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley stated that the suspect was equipped with a vest, a Taser, and other police paraphernalia, enabling him to deceive and manipulate the situation. The attacks drew widespread condemnation from political leaders, with President Donald Trump emphasizing that “such horrific violence will not be tolerated.” Senator Amy Klobuchar remarked on the attack as a direct affront to democratic values.
The identified suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was taken into custody after a two-day manhunt, described by authorities as the “largest in the state’s history.” Reportedly found in a rural area, he was armed at the time of his arrest. A former political appointee, Boelter had previously served on the workforce development board alongside Hoffman, although details surrounding their relationship remain unclear.
Authorities uncovered a vehicle linked to Boelter containing a list of approximately 70 targets, which included names of prominent Democratic politicians and locations associated with Planned Parenthood. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed that Boelter acted alone and was not connected to a wider conspiracy. His arrest has provided relief to those who were on the suspect’s list, but the implications of his actions have left communities in shock.
Governor Walz called for a renewed commitment to civility, urging residents to “shake hands” and seek common ground amidst political disagreements. “One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the state of Minnesota,” he lamented.
Boelter is scheduled to appear in court on Monday afternoon, and the investigation continues as the state grapples with the aftermath of this deeply unsettling event.