Minnesota Lawmakers Targeted in Deadly Politically Motivated Attacks

In the early hours of June 14, 2025, Minnesota experienced a series of violent attacks targeting state legislators and their spouses, resulting in two fatalities and two injuries. The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, was apprehended after a statewide manhunt.

The attacks began around 2:05 a.m. in Champlin, where State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times in their home. Both survived and are currently hospitalized. Approximately 90 minutes later, in Brooklyn Park, State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their residence. Authorities believe Boelter impersonated a police officer to gain access to the victims' homes.

Boelter, a businessman and evangelist with a background in the food service and security industries, was known for his conservative views and opposition to abortion rights. He founded Praetorian Guard Security Services, which advertised a fleet of "police-type vehicles." Friends described him as deeply religious and politically conservative, though not previously known to be extreme or vocal about his beliefs.

Investigations suggest the attacks were politically motivated, potentially driven by Boelter's anti-abortion stance. A manifesto and a list of approximately 70 potential targets, including abortion providers and pro-abortion rights advocates, were found in a vehicle linked to Boelter. The list included prominent figures such as Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith.

The search for Boelter was the largest in Minnesota history, involving hundreds of officers and 20 SWAT teams. He was apprehended on June 15, 2025, in a field in Sibley County, Minnesota, near his home. The arrest was conducted peacefully, and Boelter was found with multiple firearms and a list of other public officials' addresses.

Boelter has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman and two counts of attempted second-degree murder for the attack on the Hoffmans. Each charge carries a potential sentence of up to 40 years. The Minnesota Attorney General anticipates pursuing first-degree murder charges pending a grand jury indictment.

Governor Tim Walz described the shootings as "an act of targeted political violence" and emphasized that such violence is unacceptable. Senator Amy Klobuchar expressed being "heartbroken and horrified" by the attacks. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin highlighted the shootings as indicative of "extremism and political violence" in the U.S.

These attacks underscore a troubling rise in politically motivated violence in the United States. The targeting of elected officials based on their political positions, particularly concerning contentious issues like abortion rights, raises significant concerns about the safety of public servants and the state of political discourse. The incident has prompted discussions on the need for enhanced security measures for politicians and the broader implications for democratic processes.

Melissa Hortman, a prominent member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, served as the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives and was known for her advocacy on various social issues. John Hoffman, a Minnesota State Senator, has been active in state politics, focusing on issues such as education and healthcare.

The Minnesota community and the nation mourn the loss of Melissa and Mark Hortman and stand in solidarity with the Hoffman family during their recovery. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting democratic institutions and the individuals who serve within them.