‘Heartbroken' Minnesota lawmaker, wife share details of attack

Yahoo

12-07-2025

A Minnesota senator and his wife issued a statement Thursday, since being shot last weekend by a gunman also accused of killing state Rep. Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband Mark.
'We are heartbroken to know that our friends Melissa and Mark Hortman were assassinated,' Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife Yvette shared in a statement obtained by KARE 11.
'Our daughter Hope and Sophie Hortman went to school together, and we know that they – along with Colin Hortman – will have each other's support as we all work through the devastating consequences of that horrific night,' they added, referring to the Hortmans' children.
Hoffman and his wife were immediately hospitalized due to their injuries. Yvette was released from the hospital Thursday, while John remains in critical condition.
'Choosing to work in the public sector, even in as limited a way as John's career as a senator, has always meant sacrificing a level of privacy. But now we are grappling with the reality that we live in a world where public service carries such risks as being targeted because someone disagrees with you or doesn't like what you stand for,' the Hoffmans said in their statement.
'As a society, as a nation, as a community, we must work together to return to a level of civility that allows us all to live peacefully. The future for our children depends on that. We will be praying for that work and appreciate all those who will join with us,' they added.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have condemned the shootings, and some states have taken steps to shield the home addresses of politicians. The case is being investigated as politically motivated.
Sophia and Colin Hortman issued a statement about the shooting Tuesday.
'Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. Our parents lived their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer,' they wrote.
'The best way to honor our parents' memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.'
Vance Boelter, the suspected gunman, was apprehended Sunday and indicted in the state on stalking and murder charges. He was also hit with a federal murder charge earlier this week.
A list of other potential targets was also found in Boelter's car, including lawmakers and other top officials.
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