Minnesota shootings victims John, Yvette Hoffman say they are 'lucky to be alive'

Indianapolis Star

16-06-2025

Days after a gunman shot two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses in what Gov. Tim Walz called "politically motivated" attacks, the surviving victims have shared an update on their recovery.
Authorities arrested Vance Luther Boelter, 57, on June 15 for allegedly killing State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and wounding State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Both lawmakers and their spouses were shot at their respective homes in separate incidents on June 14, authorities said. Boelter posed as a law enforcement officer to gain access to the victims' homes, police said.
Boelter was apprehended in Sibley County, about 50 miles away from Minneapolis, after a two-day manhunt authorities called the largest in the state's history.
He was charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder, according to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County reviewed by USA TODAY.
Here's what we know about the victims in the shootings.
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In a social media post around 7 p.m. EST on June 15, United States Sen. Amy Klobuchar, of Minnesota, shared an update from Yvette Hoffman on her and her husband's recovery.
Yvette Hoffman said in the statement that she was shot eight times, while her husband suffered nine gunshot wounds.
"We are both incredibly lucky to be alive," Yvette Hoffman said.
Yvette Hoffman added that the family is "humbled by the love and outpouring" they have received, but added that they are "gutted and devastated" by the deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman.
"We have no words," she said. "There is never a place for this kind of political hate."
She added that John Hoffman was "enduring many surgeries" and is "closer every hour to being out of the woods." During a press conference hours later, Walz said Sen. Hoffman "came out of his final surgery and is moving towards recovery."
After Boelter's arrest, Yvette Hoffman said in a statement to The Minnesota Star Tribune that she and her husband 'hold a deep and profound gratitude" for the efforts of law enforcement officials.
Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman is serving his fourth term in the state's House of Representatives. He was first elected in 2012 and won reelection bids in 2016, 2020 and 2022.
The 60-year-old Democrat is originally from Casper, Wyoming. He earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in 1988, according to his LinkedIn.
Before his political career, Hoffman worked in business and education, according to his campaign website. He was first elected to office in 2005 as vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, the largest school district in Minnesota.
Hoffman and his wife Yvette share a daughter, Hope.
Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot on June 14 by Boelter, authorities said.
Before her death, Hortman was serving her 11th term in the state's House of Representatives.
The 55-year-old Democrat was also an attorney, having earned her juris doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota. She also earned a bachelor's degree in political science and philosophy from Boston University and a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University, according to her House bio.
She and her husband had two children together.
Contributing: Christopher Cann, USA TODAY