A deadly overnight shooting has left Minnesota reeling after Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were found shot to death in what officials believe to be an intentional act of political violence.
Meanwhile, Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also attacked in their home and are currently hospitalized in critical condition.
Governor Tim Walz confirmed the deaths during a press conference Saturday morning, describing the murders as an act of political targeting.
“My good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed early this morning in what appears to be a politically-motivated assassination,” Walz said.
🚨 BREAKING – TRAGIC: Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman announced deceased after "politically motivated assassination," along with her husband.
This is madness.
This is not OK.pic.twitter.com/pI8fqZl1Uj
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 14, 2025
The governor, while mourning the loss, offered a cautiously hopeful update on Senator Hoffman and his wife, stating he is “cautiously optimistic” about their survival.
Law enforcement agencies across Minnesota are now involved in a massive manhunt after the suspect managed to evade capture following an exchange of gunfire with police.
According to authorities, the shooter reportedly posed as a police officer during the attacks and remains at large.
The suspect has been identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, and the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information “leading to the arrest and conviction.”
The FBI offers a reward of up to $50,000 for info leading to the arrest and conviction of Vance L. Boelter, suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses at their residences on June 14, 2025: https://t.co/XjawGOt5lq pic.twitter.com/tZ9RE97OHk
— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) June 14, 2025
Residents in affected areas have been told to remain indoors and not to answer the door unless two uniformed officers are present.
Officials instructed the public to dial 911 to verify any suspicious or unknown law enforcement personnel.
At the crime scene, investigators recovered a vehicle outfitted with police lights and a document believed to be a manifesto.
That manifesto reportedly included a list of political figures — among them, both Rep. Hortman and Sen. Hoffman.
Police say they are now searching for individuals they described as “people of interest” and reiterated the importance of remaining vigilant.
Authorities provided no details on the motive beyond labeling the crime as politically motivated.
However, the nature of the attack and the recovery of a politically-oriented document have led to immediate concerns about the rise in targeted threats against elected officials, particularly those serving in state government roles.
In response to the brazen killings, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said his office had taken swift action to secure local officials and aid law enforcement.
“I am sickened by the assassination of Speaker Hortman and the attack on Senator Hoffman,” Frey stated.
The mayor confirmed that additional law enforcement resources had been allocated to monitor the safety of individuals who may be potential targets.
“Political violence is evil. It cannot be tolerated, and neither can those who condone it or make excuses for it,” Frey continued, revealing that he has remained in close communication with the city’s police leadership and other safety personnel throughout the morning.
The United States Capitol Police also acknowledged the seriousness of the incident in a statement released later in the day.
“The United States Capitol Police is aware of the violence targeting state lawmakers in Minnesota. We have been working with our federal, state and local partners. For safety reasons, we cannot provide specific details about our security posture,” the statement read.
According to one source familiar with internal operations, Capitol Police have been contacting members of Congress who were named in the suspect’s alleged manifesto.
While the list has not been publicly disclosed, this detail has intensified concerns about the potential for broader acts of political violence.
Leaders in both chambers of Congress issued statements condemning the attack.
House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote on social media, “Such horrific political violence has no place in our society, and every leader must unequivocally condemn it. Our prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families as well as the people of Minnesota during this tragic time.”
Such horrific political violence has no place in our society, and every leader must unequivocally condemn it.
Our prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families as well as the people of Minnesota during this tragic time. https://t.co/n0H95XXEEF
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) June 14, 2025
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also weighed in, stating, “The targeted shootings of Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and State Rep. Melissa Hortman are deeply disturbing. Violence is never acceptable. Praying hard for the victims and all who have been affected.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer characterized the shootings as a direct threat to the democratic process.
“The ghastly targeted shootings of Sen. Hoffman and Rep. Hortman are not just horrific—they’re acts of political extremism and an assault on our democracy itself. This is where hate and violent rhetoric lead. We must stand united against political violence in all forms—and bring those responsible to swift and full justice. My heart aches for the victims and their families,” Schumer said.
Melissa Hortman, who previously served as Speaker of the Minnesota House, was widely regarded by her colleagues as a seasoned and influential political figure.
Her tenure was marked by deep involvement in shaping progressive policy priorities in the state, making her a recognizable and polarizing presence within Minnesota politics.
Governor Walz spoke at length about the former Speaker’s impact on state government.
“Our state lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends. Speaker Hortman was someone who served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor and a sense of service,” Walz said.
“She was a formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota. She woke up every day determined to make this state a better place. She is irreplaceable, and will be missed by so many. Minnesota’s thoughts and prayers are with her family, her loved ones, her children and her parents,”
While the investigation remains ongoing, public officials and citizens alike are left grappling with the implications of politically motivated violence and the disturbing possibility that others could be at risk.
As of Saturday evening, federal and local agencies continue to work in coordination to track down the individual responsible for the killings and bring them into custody.
