Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Husband Assassinated, Senator John Hoffman and Wife Wounded

confirmed Importance 6/10 ~1 min read 4 sources 6 actors

In the early morning hours of June 14, 2025, Vance Boelter (57) of Green Isle, MN attacked two Democratic lawmakers’ homes. At 2 AM, posing as police, he shot State Senator John Hoffman and wife Yvette at their Champlin home (both survived). At 3:35 AM, he killed Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman (served as 61st Speaker 2019-2025) and husband Mark at their home. Boelter’s abandoned vehicle contained a list of 70 targets including Gov. Walz, Reps. Craig and Omar, Sens. Klobuchar and Smith, abortion providers, and activists. Captured June 15. Gov. Walz called it “targeted political violence.” Attack represents dangerous escalation of stochastic terrorism.

Sources & Citations

[1] After Two-Day Manhunt, Suspect Charged with Shooting Two Minnesota Lawmakers and Their Spouses · Jun 16, 2025 Tier 1

[2] Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman killed, State Sen. John Hoffman wounded in targeted political violence · Jun 14, 2025 Tier 1

[3] Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman killed, state Sen. John Hoffman injured in targeted shootings · Jun 14, 2025 Tier 1

[4] Vance Boelter Indicted for the Murders of Melissa and Mark Hortman · Jun 27, 2025 Tier 1

Tiers Tier 1 court records & gov docs · Tier 2 established outlets · Tier 3 regional & specialty press · Tier 4 opinion or single-source. Methodology →

Cite this entry

The Cascade Ledger. “Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Husband Assassinated, Senator John Hoffman and Wife Wounded.” The Capture Cascade Timeline, June 14, 2025. https://capturecascade.org/event/2025-06-14--minnesota-house-speaker-assassination/