Minnesota lawmaker killed headlines shook the state in June 2025 after a series of violent attacks left one of the most prominent figures in state government, House Speaker Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Mark, dead in their Brooklyn Park home. The same spree saw State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, wounded at their nearby residence, sparking the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history.
Table of Contents
Timeline of the Tragedy
June 14, 2025 – Early Morning Hours
At approximately 2:00 a.m., tragedy struck when 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, disguised as a police officer, arrived at the Hoffman residence in Champlin, Minnesota. According to investigators, Boelter used the pretense of a police matter to gain entry onto the property.
When Senator John Hoffman confronted him at the door, Boelter declared it was a robbery before pulling out a firearm and opening fire inside the home. In the violent exchange, Senator Hoffman was shot nine times, while his wife, Yvette, was struck eight times. Their teenage daughter, Hope, was also present. In a desperate act of protection, the Hoffmans shielded her from the bullets. Hope suffered only minor injuries, a small miracle amid the chaos.
Emergency responders rushed the couple to the hospital, where both underwent multiple surgeries. Despite the severity of their wounds, doctors later confirmed that John and Yvette Hoffman survived, though their recovery would be long and arduous.
June 14, 2025 – Shortly After
Only hours later, Boelter moved on to his next target: the home of Speaker Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park. Still posing as a police officer, Boelter knocked on the door, gaining proximity before launching another brutal attack.
In this assault, Speaker Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot inside their residence. Even the family’s beloved golden retriever, Gilbert, was not spared. The dog was gravely injured and later had to be euthanized due to the extent of its wounds.
Police Confrontation
As law enforcement units arrived on the scene, Boelter turned his gunfire on the officers, creating a dangerous firefight. Despite the swift police response, Boelter managed to escape the area, triggering a massive, statewide manhunt. Authorities issued alerts across Minnesota, warning communities to remain vigilant as the suspect was considered armed and extremely dangerous.
The Largest Manhunt in Minnesota History
Law enforcement from local, state, and federal agencies launched what would become the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history following the deadly attacks carried out by Vance Luther Boelter. The coordinated search involved hundreds of officers, dozens of tactical teams, and advanced surveillance tools, creating an unprecedented mobilization across the state.
The Search Begins
In the hours after the shootings at the homes of Senator John Hoffman and Speaker Melissa Hortman, police issued statewide alerts warning that Boelter was armed, dangerous, and impersonating a law enforcement officer. Roadblocks were set up across highways, drones scanned rural fields, and helicopters patrolled from the sky. Urban neighborhoods in the Twin Cities were canvassed door to door, while surrounding small towns were placed on high alert.
Residents were urged to stay indoors, and local businesses closed as police spread out across both metropolitan and rural areas. For nearly two days, tension gripped Minnesota as officers worked against the clock to prevent further violence.
Boelter Located
On June 15, the intense search came to a head near Green Isle, Minnesota. Using drone technology and aerial support from the State Patrol, officers spotted Boelter moving through a field. Surrounded on the ground and from the air, he was quickly cornered.
Although armed, Boelter surrendered after a brief standoff with SWAT teams. The capture ended a 43-hour ordeal that left communities shaken and law enforcement exhausted but relieved. His arrest was immediately followed by the recovery of key evidence linking him to a broader plan of violence.
Evidence Recovered
At the scene of the Hortmans’ home, investigators uncovered a vehicle Boelter had outfitted with emergency police-style lights, further evidence of his strategy to pose as an officer to gain trust and access. Inside the vehicle, police discovered a list of nearly 70 potential targets, which included state legislators, abortion rights advocates, and national Democratic figures.
Alongside the list were firearms, tactical gear, anti-Trump protest flyers, and handwritten letters. The letters, later described as rambling and incoherent, were filled with conspiracy theories involving state politicians. Some writings appeared to serve as a manifesto, outlining his motivations and attempting to justify the attacks.
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Aftermath and Legal Consequences
Following his arrest, Boelter was transported into custody, where both state and federal prosecutors began preparing charges. He was indicted for the murders of Melissa and Mark Hortman, the attempted murders of John and Yvette Hoffman and their daughter Hope, as well as impersonating a police officer and other serious felonies.
Authorities also confirmed that his actions were premeditated, citing the discovery of the target list and extensive preparations that included stockpiling firearms, disguises, and tactical equipment. His motives, while clouded by conspiracy-laden writings, pointed to political grievances and violent extremism.
A State Shaken
The manhunt, described as the largest and most resource-intensive in Minnesota’s history, left a lasting mark on the state. Communities reeled from the violence, and political leaders across the spectrum condemned the attacks. Vigils were held for the Hortmans, while Senator Hoffman and his wife continued their long recovery in the hospital.
For law enforcement, the operation demonstrated both the dangers of targeted political violence and the effectiveness of multi-agency coordination under extreme pressure. For Minnesotans, it was a chilling reminder of how quickly violence could erupt close to home.
Charges, Motive, and Political Fallout
Boelter was charged with federal crimes including murder, stalking, and firearms offenses, as well as state-level counts of second-degree murder and attempted murder. In August 2025, prosecutors elevated the charges to first-degree murder, making Boelter eligible for a life sentence without parole if found guilty. Federal prosecutors are also considering death penalty charges.
Governor Tim Walz condemned the shooting as “an act of targeted political violence,” a statement echoed by state and national leaders. Prosecutors believe Boelter intentionally targeted Democratic officials and abortion-rights supporters—Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman both served as leaders in the Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) Party, Minnesota’s state Democratic affiliate.
No clear rationale was uncovered in Boelter’s letters beyond an incoherent mix of political ideologies and conspiracy-laden grievances. The shootings have since prompted renewed discussions on political security protocols and extremist threats against public servants.
Melissa Hortman’s Legacy
Melissa Hortman’s career in public service left an indelible mark on Minnesota politics and the lives of countless residents. First elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2005, Hortman quickly emerged as a leading voice for progressive change. Her steady rise culminated in her becoming Speaker of the House in 2019, a role she held with distinction until her tragic death in 2025.
During her tenure, Hortman championed landmark reforms that reshaped the state. She guided major legislation on health care access, education funding, marijuana legalization, abortion rights protections, and paid family leave. Her ability to build coalitions and navigate divisive debates was widely praised, and her leadership style combined pragmatism with a deep commitment to progressive values.
Hortman’s passing was mourned not only in Minnesota but across the nation. In recognition of her trailblazing service, she became the first woman ever to lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol. Thousands of mourners filed past her casket, including citizens, colleagues, and community members whose lives were touched by her work. The ceremonies drew national leaders, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and numerous state officials, underscoring the profound impact of her career and the respect she commanded on the national stage.
Her husband, Mark Hortman, was remembered as a devoted partner who supported Melissa’s political journey and shared in her dedication to public service. Tributes emphasized not only his role as a loving spouse but also as an integral part of the couple’s commitment to family and community.
In the aftermath of the attacks, Senator John Hoffman and his family, who narrowly survived, released statements highlighting the extraordinary courage it took to endure the tragedy. They credited their survival to acts of bravery and selflessness within their household during the chaos, honoring the resilience of families united in the face of unimaginable violence.
Melissa Hortman’s legacy lives on through the policies she advanced, the barriers she broke, and the countless lives she impacted. Her leadership redefined Minnesota’s political landscape, and her name will forever stand among the state’s most consequential and admired public servants.
Community, Political, and Legislative Impact
The killings have left Minnesota’s legislature and political community reeling. In September 2025, the DFL caucus selected Representative Zack Stephenson as the new House leader to guide the chamber through a fraught period of mourning and transition.
A summary table of the critical facts:
| Victim(s) | Incident Location | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melissa Hortman & Mark | Brooklyn Park home | June 14, 2025 | Killed |
| John & Yvette Hoffman | Champlin home | June 14, 2025 | Survived wounds |
| Suspect: Vance Boelter | Captured near Green Isle | June 15, 2025 | Indicted federally |
Safety Concerns and Moving Forward
This senseless violence has led to an urgent review of security procedures for public officials across Minnesota and neighboring states. Lawmakers, advocates, and staff now face a heightened sense of risk—yet many continue to urge the promotion of civility and respect in politics, pushing back on extremism and violence.
The Minnesota House and Senate both held special sessions in tribute to Hortman, Mark, and the bravery of the Hoffmans. Renewed attention is also on mental health resources for lawmakers and regular security protocol drills.
Closing Thoughts
The story “Minnesota lawmaker killed” is not just a headline, but a profound tragedy reshaping the state’s political and civic life. As the legal process against Vance Boelter unfolds, Minnesota honors the memories of Melissa and Mark Hortman while supporting survivors and vowing to remain united against violence. Readers are invited to share their tributes or reflections below, helping foster collective healing and civic resilience.