Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot multiple times in a home invasion identified as a politically motivated attack—marking one of the most chilling acts of violence against U.S. lawmakers in recent years.
At a Glance
- Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot 17 times during a home assault
- The couple survived; another target, former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, was killed
- Shooter Vance Boelter posed as a police officer and had a list of over 70 political targets
- The attack triggered Minnesota’s largest manhunt in history
- Officials have condemned this as politically driven violence—prompting calls for increased security
A Horrifying Assault
In the early hours of June 14, a masked man claiming to be a police officer opened fire at the Champlin home of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Hoffman was struck nine times, Yvette eight times—she reportedly shielded their daughter during the assault. The gunman then drove to another legislator’s home, murdering former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and narrowly missing other lawmakers before being captured after a 43-hour manhunt.
Watch a report: Minnesota senator and wife survive politically motivated shooting.
Politically Motivated Violence
Authorities confirmed the attack was politically driven: Boelter carried a hit list with around 70 Democrats and abortion-rights supporters. Governor Tim Walz denounced the incident as a product of “targeted political violence,” a threat echoing across America’s political landscape.
The gunman’s flight led to the largest manhunt in Minnesota history, spanning rural woodlands and involving federal, state, and local law enforcement. Reuters described a tense, chaotic two-day effort that ended with Boelter’s arrest and an end to his terrifying assault on democratic norms and the safety of public servants.
What Comes Next?
This attack has heightened concerns about political violence and the vulnerabilities of elected officials. Lawmakers and experts are now debating:
- Should state and local officials receive enhanced, around-the-clock security?
- Are private residences of public figures the next front line of political violence?
- Will national leaders counter rising political extremism with renewed calls for civility?
Sen. Hoffman, now recovering in stable condition, and his wife urged society to reject political hatred. But their story—and the loss of Speaker Hortman—serves as a chilling reminder: democracy’s guardians are not immune.
