A shocking and targeted attack struck Minnesota early on June 14, 2025, killing Democratic House leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, while injuring another state lawmaker and spouse. Law enforcement describe the incident as a politically motivated assassination.
đ What Happened
- At approximately 2âŻa.m. CDT, the home of State Senator John Hoffman in Champlin was attacked. Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot but survived and are now in stable condition after surgery mprnews.org+13time.com+13axios.com+13.
- Around 3:35âŻa.m., officers responded to a second shooting at the home of House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park. The suspect, impersonating a police officer using a fake squad vehicle, opened fire. Hortman, 55, and her husband, Mark, were killed axios.com+8theguardian.com+8startribune.com+8.
- Investigators recovered a manifesto targeting over 50 individuals, including abortion-rights advocates, other lawmakers, and officials lailluminator.com+2theguardian.com+2startribune.com+2.
The Suspect
- Law enforcement identified 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter as the suspect. He is armed, dangerous, and believed to be traveling in a maroon Buick, as alerts extend even to South Dakota reuters.com+7theguardian.com+7cbsnews.com+7.
- The FBI has added Boelter to its Most Wanted list and launched a nationwide manhunt, with a reward of up to $50,000 for credible information leading to his arrest cbsnews.com+2theguardian.com+2reuters.com+2reuters.com+1cbsnews.com+1.
Victims & Political Impact
- Melissa Hortman: A powerhouse in Minnesotaâs legislature, she served as Speaker from 2019 to 2025 and had been DFL leader during a rare power-sharing session youtube.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15. Known for championing family leave, abortion access, gun-safety laws, and clean energy, dozens of colleagues praised her leadershipâeven across party lines theguardian.com+3washingtonpost.com+3apnews.com+3.
- John Hoffman: Serving since 2013 in the Minnesota Senate and chairing human services, Hoffman and his wife are expected to recover fully youtube.com+10time.com+10theguardian.com+10.
Official Responses
- Governor Tim Walz called it âtargeted political violenceâ and denounced the act as contrary to democratic principles theguardian.com+7time.com+7apnews.com+7.
- National figures, including former President Biden, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi, condemned the attack as an unacceptable assault on democracy axios.com+1cbsnews.com+1.
- Minnesota lawmakersâRepublican and Democrat alikeâpraised Hortmanâs pragmatism and collaborative leadership style en.wikipedia.org+7axios.com+7washingtonpost.com+7.
Context & Concern
- This episode follows a troubling trend of politically motivated violence in the U.S., including the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump and earlier plots targeting other public officials time.com.
- Police have increased security for legislators statewide and urged the public to remain vigilant, while law enforcement patterns throughout the day suggest a coordinated response .
Why It Matters
- Democratic institutions are under threat: The brazen impersonation of law enforcement to carry out targeted killings underscores deepening political extremism.
- Minnesota’s legislature shaken: With its top Democratic leader dead and several bipartisan initiatives at risk, political cohesion faces new challenges.
- Precedent for future violence: This attack marks one of the most severe in-state assaults on elected officials, raising alarms nationwide.
Whatâs Next
- The BCA, FBI, and local law enforcement continue the manhunt. Anyone with information is urged to contact 877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us lailluminator.com+11cbsnews.com+11theguardian.com+11.
- Security at government buildings and public events has been stepped up, and planned protests have been canceled or scaled back .
- Investigators are analyzing the suspectâs background, manifesto, and other evidence to determine motives and prevent further violence theguardian.com.