Minnesota lawmaker killed when an assailant impersonating a police officer fatally shot Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in their home in Brooklyn Park early on June 14, 2025. Officials say the attack was part of a broader, targeted political assault that also left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, wounded. TIME3Wikipedia3CBS News3
Below are the latest verified updates, context, and continued developments in this case.
What happened: Sequence of events
- Time and places: Around 2:00 a.m. local time, an individual identified as Vance Luther Boelter, 57, allegedly went to the home of Sen. John Hoffman in Champlin, Minnesota, posing as a police officer. He was wearing body armor and a realistic latex mask. Boelter is accused of knocking on the door, claiming to be law enforcement, then opening fire. Sen. Hoffman was shot nine times; his wife Yvette was also shot multiple times. Their daughter, present at the scene, was shielded by her parents and escaped injury. Wikipedia2CBS News2
- Subsequent attack: About an hour later, around 3:35 a.m., police responding to the first shootings proceeded to check on Rep. Melissa Hortman’s home in Brooklyn Park, just a few miles away. There, they encountered the suspect leaving her home; Hortman and her husband, Mark, were found shot. Both were later pronounced dead. CBS News2Wikipedia2
- Suspect’s actions: Authorities say Boelter used a vehicle resembling a police SUV with law enforcement lights. He carried notebooks listing dozens of Democratic public officials; Hortman’s name appeared with notes about her home, security vulnerabilities, and other personal details. Department of Justice3CBS News3Wikipedia3
Victims and their backgrounds
- Melissa Hortman: Representative for Minnesota’s 34B House District, former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives (2019–2024), a prominent Democrat. She was 55 at the time of her death. Wikipedia2Wikipedia2
- Mark Hortman: Her husband, 58, killed in the same attack at their home. CBS News2Wikipedia2
- John Hoffman: State Senator, married to Yvette Hoffman. Both survived their injuries, after serious surgeries. CBS News2Wikipedia2
- Yvette Hoffman: Survived, though critically wounded. Their daughter, Hope, was present but unhurt. Wikipedia1
Suspect & Legal Proceedings
- Suspect: Vance Luther Boelter, 57, of Green Isle, Minnesota. Identified by law enforcement as the perpetrator. Department of Justice2Wikipedia2
- Charges: Boelter has been indicted on multiple state and federal charges, including murder, attempted murder, stalking, and firearms violations. A federal grand jury handed down six indictments related to this incident. Department of Justice2Department of Justice2
- Capture and Manhunt: After a two‑day manhunt, authorities arrested Boelter on June 16, 2025. He was found with firearms, body armor, writings listing targeted Democratic officials, and items suggesting premeditation. Department of Justice2Wikipedia2
Reactions: Political and public
- Governor’s statement: Gov. Tim Walz condemned the killings as an “act of targeted political violence” and said “our state lost a great leader.” He ordered flags to fly at half‑staff in honor of Melissa and Mark Hortman. house.mn.gov+2TIME+2
- Legislative responses: Both DFL (Democratic‑Farmer‑Labor) and Republican lawmakers expressed horror and grief. They emphasized the breach in democratic norms and the necessity to protect elected officials. house.mn.gov2Wikipedia2
- Public mourning: On June 27, Melissa Hortman, Mark Hortman, and their dog Gilbert lay in state in the Minnesota Capitol. Thousands of Minnesotans came to pay respects. The Guardian2house.mn.gov2
Legal and security implications
- Impersonation of law enforcement: Critical to the case is that Boelter allegedly impersonated a police officer—wearing a uniform or parts thereof, using police lighting, wearing a badge—to gain trust and access. Law enforcement agencies are investigating how he acquired these items and whether deficiencies in security made the attacks easier. Wikipedia1
- Target list: Notebooks found in Boelter’s vehicle contained names of nearly 70 public officials — elected Democrats, abortion rights advocates, among others. Some entries include personal details, home addresses, and observations that suggest surveillance. Wikipedia2ABC News2
- Manhunt scale: Described as among the largest in recent Minnesota history. Agencies involved include state, local, and federal law enforcement. The search included surveillance footage, trail cameras, tips from public, etc. Wikipedia2CBS News2
Broader context
- Political violence in the U.S.: This incident comes amid growing concern about politically motivated violence and threats against public officials. It is being examined as part of a trend where polarized political rhetoric sometimes escalates to real-world violence. TIME1
- Legislative implications: Security protocols for legislators, especially at the state level, are under review. How to protect homes, communication about threats, and enforcement of impersonation laws are among issues raised. Wikipedia1
Current status and what to watch for
- Trial and charges: Boelter faces both state and federal charges. Outcome could include serious penalties (including life in prison or more, depending on applicable law). Department of Justice1
- Protection & policy changes: Minnesota legislature and law enforcement likely to review and possibly expand protections for public officials and address the ease of impersonating officers.
- Investigation into motive: While political motivation is clear from officials’ statements and suspect’s target list, exactly what drove the suspect’s ideology, affiliations, or triggers remains under investigation.
- Public healing: The lying‑in‑state service, mourning, memorials, and the impact on constituents will resonate. How Minnesota recovers from shock and how political discourse is affected will also be significant.
Video
Here is video footage related to the case (suspect and victim summaries):
Conclusion
Minnesota lawmaker killed in a targeted political assassination is more than a local tragedy — it underscores alarming vulnerabilities faced by public servants. Representative Melissa Hortman, a prominent legislative leader, and her husband lost their lives in an attack that appears carefully planned. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife survived but remain deeply scarred.
The arrest of suspect Vance Boelter ends the immediate manhunt but opens deeper questions: how political polarization, extremist impulses, public safety, and identity of public office intersect in 21st‑century America. Minnesota, the nation, will watch closely as this case proceeds through courts, policy debates, and public memory.
