]
There has been a terrible tragedy in Minnesota.
Governor Tim Walz confirmed in a news conference that state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were shot and killed, and Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, were “shot multiple times” and wounded at their respective homes early on the morning of Saturday. Both politicians were Democrats. And according to Walz, the attacks were an “act of targeted political violence.” He said in the press conference:
“We’re here today because an unspeakable tragedy has unfolded today in Minnesota. My good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark, were shot and killed earlier this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination.”
Related: South Carolina Politician Charged With Distributing CSAM Using ‘Joe Biden’ Username
Absolutely horrific. The Hoffmans underwent surgery, with Walz sharing that everyone is “cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt.” CNN reported they are in stable condition. At this time, the gunman has not been apprehended. A manhunt is currently underway for the shooter. According to the Associated Press, police are looking for 57-year-old Vance Boelter.
The shootings reportedly happened a few miles away from each other, with the Hortmans being murdered in their Brooklyn Park home. Per audio obtained by TMZ, a dispatch call revealed one of the victims was in cardiac arrest while the other one was dead before first responders arrived.
ABC News reported that Superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Drew Evans said Hoffman and his wife were shot around 2:00 a.m. in Champlin. Paramedics said on a dispatch call that Yvette was shot twice in the abdomen and once in the arm, while John was hit twice in the chest and once in the abdomen, causing bleeding in his stomach. Listen (below):
After the senator was shot, Evans said officers headed to check on Hortman and encountered the gunman trying to come out of her house through the door at around 3:35 a.m. Police said when cops ran into the suspect, he was dressed as a police officer — decked out with a vest, badge, taser, and other equipment. The shooter then opened fire at the officers and got away on foot. Authorities said the person left behind a vehicle that looked like a police car in Hortman’s driveway. And what law enforcement found inside the car is very concerning. Especially since the suspect is still at large.
According to ABC News, police discovered a list of other possible targets in the vehicle. Hortman and Hoffman’s names were on it, along with many other Democrats from Minnesota. Law enforcement sources familiar with the matter told the outlet those people include Governor Walz, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, and state Attorney General Keith Ellison.
OMG…
At this time, authorities said security resources were dispatched to protect the people on the list. The Capitol Police added it is “working with our federal, state and local partners.” ABC’s sources further noted law enforcement is investigating if the gunman was motivated by extreme views on abortion.
In addition to the manifesto, fliers reading “No Kings” were found in the car — leading police to question if the suspect planned to target one of the protests taking place in cities all across the country on Saturday to protest Donald Trump’s military parade on his birthday in Washington, D.C. Oh no. CBS News reported organizers for the No Kings protests canceled all events throughout the state out of an abundance of caution after today’s events.
With the manhunt, police asked for everyone in Minnesota to remain alert and cautious. Brooklyn Park is currently under a shelter-in-place order. Police also informed everyone that if an officer shows up at your door, call 911 to confirm if an officer is meant to be there. Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said:
“Police are asking that no one open their door to a lone police officer. Licensed officers are working in pairs.”
You can watch the full press conference (below):
Following the horrifying news, Trump condemned the attacks, saying:
“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”
“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest… pic.twitter.com/Gzq4qk5VkK
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 14, 2025
What happened here is beyond devastating. We are sending so much love and light to the families, especially the loved ones of Mark and Melissa Hortman.
[Image via John Hoffman/Melissa Hortman/Facebook]
