Hoffman family issues statement following Melissa and Mark Hortman funeral
The Hoffman family, who were attacked by the same gunman on the night that Melissa and Mark Hortman were assassinated, have issued a statement following Saturday's emotional funeral for the late couple.
Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were both shot multiple times at their home in Champlin, with the attack allegedly carried out by Vance Boelter, who is accused of then fatally shooting Rep. Hortman and husband Mark in Brooklyn Park.
An estimates 1,500 people attended the Hortmans' funeral at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis on Saturday, with many thousands more tuning in online and on TV. A day earlier, they were laid in state at the Minnesota Capitol, with former President Joe Biden among those who paid their respects.
The Hoffmans, whose daughter Hope was also lined up at gunpoint on the night of the attack, said the service for the Hortmans was "heartbreakingly beautiful."
"We are devastated by the loss of Melissa, Mark, and their dog, Gilbert. Their tragic passing has left a profound sadness for all who knew them and whose lives they touched," they said.
"To all of you who went to the State Capitol to pay your respects to Melissa, Mark and Gilbert, we want you to know we were there with you in spirit."
Authorities believe that Boelter went to two other Democratic lawmakers' homes, those of Sen. Ann Rest and Rep. Kristin Bahner, in between the attacks he allegedly carried out at the Hoffman and Hortman homes.
"We're continuing to recover from physical injuries and emotional trauma from this senseless act of violence. All of us are now in stable condition but face a long road ahead," the Hoffmans continued.
"Hope's bruises from the attack continue to heal. We're so grateful she happened to be at our house that night. There's no doubt her call to 911 saved the lives of others.
"We know justice will be served for both of our families as the legal process gets underway. Right now, our focus is on healing and honoring the lives that were taken."
This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
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