Minnesota lawmaker shootings: Leaders and politicians react

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Tributes and statements are pouring in from Minnesota leaders and politicians after shootings led to the deaths of lawmaker Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and injuries to Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

The backstory:

Local leaders and politicians are reacting to the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers early Saturday morning. Authorities say someone impersonating a police officer shot Rep. Hortman and her husband at their Brooklyn Park home, and Sen. Hoffman and his wife in Champlin.

Hortman was a Democrat from Brooklyn Park representing District 34B. Hoffman, a Democrat from Champlin, represents Senate District 34.

Gov. Tim Walz

MN Gov. Tim Walz: Rep. Hortman, her husband killed in shooting [RAW]

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced at a press conference that Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were killed in a targeted shooting. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot, but he is "cautiously optimistic" they will survive.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released the following statement on Saturday.

"Today Minnesota lost a great leader, and I lost a friend.

"A formidable public servant and a fixture of the state Capitol, Melissa Hortman, woke up every day determined to make our state a better place. She served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion and tirelessness. Minnesota's thoughts are with her loved ones, and my prayers are with Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvetter, who were shot and wounded and are being treated.

"We are not a country that settles our differences at gunpoint. We have demonstrated again and again in our state that it is possible to peacefully disagree, that our state is strengthened by civil public debate. We must stand united against all forms of violence – and I call on everyone to join me in that commitment.

"To the responding officers, thank you for your bravery and your swift action. A state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigation is underway, and we will spare no resource in bringing those responsible to justice.

"We will not let fear win."

Sen. Amy Klobuchar

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar released the following statements on X.

"This is a stunning act of violence. I’m thankful for all the law enforcement who are responding in real time. My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families. Both legislators are close friends and devoted to their families and public service," said Klobuchar.

"I am heartbroken and horrified by the tragic loss of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were taken from us in an act of violence. Melissa was a good friend and we started in politics at the same time and were always there for each other. She was a true public servant to the core, dedicating her life to serving Minnesotans with integrity and compassion. Melissa’s legacy will endure, but today we grieve deeply. John’s and my prayers are with their children, their loved ones, and all who are mourning this devastating loss."

House DFL Caucus

The House DFL Caucus has issued the following statement.

"We are shocked and devastated at the shootings of our colleagues, and at the assassination of our Speaker, Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. This is an unspeakable act of political violence that should never happen in the United States of America.

"Melissa was an incredible leader who dedicated her life to public service. She led our caucus with integrity, grace, and with determination to improve people’s lives. We are holding in our hearts Melissa and Mark’s families, their friends, their legislative family, and all who knew and loved them.

A photo of Melissa and Mark Hortman on June 13, 2025, at the annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner. (Photo credit: Minnesota House DFL Caucus) (Supplied)

"Melissa talked a lot about following the Golden Rule, and the value that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’ She felt she had the ability and the obligation to serve others. And serve others she did. Minnesota is an immeasurably better state because Melissa Hortman chose to serve. Generations of Minnesotans will be better off thanks to her leadership. She was a dear friend to so many, and this caucus will miss her and Mark greatly.

"We are also thinking about Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, and we hope for their speedy recovery. We are grateful to law enforcement and the first responders who responded to these horrific acts, and we thank them for the ongoing work to apprehend the suspect and keep Minnesota’s public servants safe."

Sen. Majority Leader Erin Murphy

Sen. Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) posted in a statement on X, "I am wrecked. I am devastated by the assassination of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the horrific attack on John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. This is an unspeakably tragic day for Minnesotans, especially the many of us fortunate enough to know them personally."

The full statement is below.

House Speaker Lisa Demuth

Minnesota House Speaker Rep. List Demuth (R-Cold Spring) released a statement about the attack.

"Few legislators have had as large an impact on the State of Minnesota, and she was a nationally-recognized leader in energy policy. She had a profound impact on this institution and on my own leadership.

"We worked together for the last several years to build a strong relationship based on our shared values and our commitment to making our state better. I am beyond heartbroken by her loss, and her family and friends will remain in my prayers.

"My prayers are also with Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvetter as they recover from this horrific attack."

The full statement can be read below.

Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha

State Auditor Julie Blaha issued the following statement on Saturday.

"Heartbroken over the deaths of Rep Melissa Hortman & her husband Mark, and the critical conditions of Sen John Hoffman & his wife Yvette. They are more than dear friends, but also some of the greatest public servants I have ever known. Violence has no place in our democracy."

Fmr. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris

Former President Joe Biden said about the shooting on Saturday, "This heinous attack motivated by politics should never happen in America. We must give hate and extremism no safe harbor and we must all unite against political violence as a nation. Jill and I are sending strength to everyone affected by this senseless tragedy during an unimaginable time."

Kamala Harris posted the following statement on X.

"I am devastated by the loss of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in a horrifying act of violence. Our prayers are with their children and all who loved them, and with State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were also targeted.

"Melissa Hortman was an outstanding public servant. She passed legislation that enshrined freedoms and increased opportunity for the people of Minnesota. I saw her impact firsthand when I was with her in Minnesota and will remember her compassion, humor, and sense of service.

"Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in our nation. Elected officials must be safe to do their job on behalf of the people. The hate and division that dominate our political discourse must end."

President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump released the following statement through press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

"I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!"

Rep. Tom Emmer

House majority whip leader Tom Emmer released the following statement.

"Jacquie and I ask Minnesotans and all Americans to join us in prayer for the Hortman family, as well as Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. No public official — or any American — should fear for their safety in their own home, and we condemn this despicable act of political violence. We thank law enforcement for their swift response, and we will continue to monitor the situation. Justice must be served for the attacker still at large."

Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan

Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan issued a statement saying in part, "There are few times I am at a loss for words. Today is one of those days. I’m mourning the devastating loss of my friend Speaker Melissa Hortman and her devoted husband Mark Hortman."

"Two children have lost their mom and dad. A family has lost its daughter. I have lost a dear friend. Minnesota has lost a passionate leader," the statement continued. "My prayers are also with Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who are dear and good people, as they recover in the hospital from this attack."

Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson released the following statement.

"This is a dark day for Minnesota & for democracy. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, their colleagues & to the communities they serve w/ dedication & integrity. That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge w/ honor."

Rep. Dan Wolgamott

Minnesota Rep. Dan Wolgamott (DFL-St. Cloud) released the following statement.

"I am numb with shock and sick with grief at the assassination of my friend and mentor, Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark. Melissa taught me so much about making laws, serving constituents, and how to be a true public servant. I will miss her and Mark so much.

"We will honor her memory by refusing to be intimidated by political terrorism, and continue working our asses off to improve the lives of Minnesotans. My family and I are grateful to the SCPD and the officers who are ensuring our safety."

Champlin Mayor Ryan Sabas

Champlin Mayor Ryan Sabas released the following statement about the shootings.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Hoffman his family, and Representative Hortman and her family. The actions that took place this morning are nothing short of pure evil. The people of Champlin can rest assure that our law enforcement are working closely with other agencies and a press conference and statement from police will be coming."

St. Paul Mayor Melivn Carter

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter released the following statement on X.

US Rep. Kelly Morrison

U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) released the following statement below.

US Rep. Pete Stauber

U.S. Pete Stauber released the following statement on social media.

"Political violence has no place in this country. Pray for the family of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Pray for the swift recovery of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. And pray for Minnesota."

Timeline of what happened

Timeline:

Here's a look at the timeline of what we know so far:

About 2 a.m. on June 14

A 911 call in Champlin was made at about 2 a.m. Saturday. Police then found that Minnesota Sen. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, had been shot. Both Hoffman and his wife are recovering from gunshot wounds after undergoing surgery at the hospital. Yvette Hoffman dove in front of her child to protect her from the gunman.

3:35 a.m. June 14

Brooklyn Park police officers then "proactively" went to the home of Rep. Hortman, authorities say. It was there that they encountered the suspect, who was dressed up as an officer with a fake police vehicle. The suspect opened fire on officers, but the suspect fled. In the suspect's vehicle, authorities found a manifesto with lawmakers' names on it and papers with "No Kings" written on them.

5:30 a.m. June 14

The shelter-in-place alert was sent at 5:30 a.m. by BPPD for the 3-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course.

Around 6 a.m. June 14

Vance Boelter briefly returned to a home near 49th and Fremont in Minneapolis, where he rented a room part-time. He texted two of the roommates that he had made some bad choices, he doesn't want to implicate them, and he may be dead soon. He did have vehicles at the home and broke out one of the windows, but it's unclear if he took one of those vehicles before he fled. The image of Boelter in the cowboy hat is from the surveillance cameras at this home. The renters have been allowed back inside the home.

Around 9:45 a.m. June 14

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced at a press conference that Hortman and her husband had died after being shot. Walz said they're "cautiously optimistic" about Hoffman and his wife's recovery.

Around 11 a.m. June 14

Authorities and Gov. Walz urged people to not attend any political rallies until the suspect is apprehended.

Around 11:30 a.m. June 14

Champlin authorities say there is no current threat to public safety in the city.

Before 1 p.m. June 14

The Associated Press identified Vance Luther Boelter, 57, as the suspect. He was appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton in 2016 and then by Gov. Walz in 2019 to the bipartisan workforce development board. His term expired in 2023.

About 1:30 p.m. June 14

Police clear the scene at Hoffman's house in Champlin.

Around 1:45 p.m. June 14

Police served a search warrant at a home near 49th and Fremont in Minneapolis in connection with the investigation. Authorities used battering rams to get inside. Those who are renting the home told FOX 9 Boelter was a part-time renter of a room in the home.

Around 2 p.m. on June 14

Law enforcement in Green Isle sent tactical units to a home about 5 miles southeast of town as part of the manhunt to find Boelter. Boelter has a home in Green Isle.

3 p.m. on June 14

Authorities named Vance Boelter as a "person of interest" and suspect in the case, and asked for the public's help in locating him.

3:20 p.m. on June 14

Brooklyn Park authorities have cleared the shelter-in-place order. But an alert sent to people living in the area asks people to call 911 if you see something suspicious. Police will still be in the area collecting evidence. Meanwhile, Mercy Hospital remains on lockdown.

3:50 p.m. on June 14

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner released the initial reports for the Hortmans, saying Melissa Hortman, 55, and Mark Hortman, 58, both died of multiple gunshot wounds. A time of death was not listed, but the report says Mark Hortman died at North Memorial Hospital, while Melissa Hortman died at her home.

4 p.m. on June 14

The FBI is offering a $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Vance Boelter.

9 p.m. on June 14

FOX 9 confirmed Yvette Hoffman is awake and alert following the shooting.

7 a.m. on June 15

The manhunt for Vance Boelter continues into day 2.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office said an investigation is underway and Brooklyn Park is the lead agency. The FBI is assisting in the investigation. Gov. Walz said he has activated the State Emergency Operations Center.

Several people have reportedly been detained and questioned, but no arrests have been made.

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