Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Husband Assassinated, Senator John Hoffman and Wife Wounded
In the early morning hours of June 14, 2025, Vance Boelter (57) of Green Isle, MN attacked two Democratic lawmakers’ homes. At 2 AM, posing as police, he shot State Senator John Hoffman and wife Yvette at their Champlin home (both survived). At 3:35 AM, he killed Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman (served as 61st Speaker 2019-2025) and husband Mark at their home. Boelter’s abandoned vehicle contained a list of 70 targets including Gov. Walz, Reps. Craig and Omar, Sens. Klobuchar and Smith, abortion providers, and activists. Captured June 15. Gov. Walz called it “targeted political violence.” Attack represents dangerous escalation of stochastic terrorism.
Key Actors
Sources (4)
- After Two-Day Manhunt, Suspect Charged with Shooting Two Minnesota Lawmakers and Their Spouses (2025-06-16)
- Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman killed, State Sen. John Hoffman wounded in targeted political violence (2025-06-14)
- Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman killed, state Sen. John Hoffman injured in targeted shootings (2025-06-14)
- Vance Boelter Indicted for the Murders of Melissa and Mark Hortman (2025-06-27)
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