In a horrifying act of political violence, Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times in their suburban Minneapolis home early Saturday morning. According to family and news reports, Yvette heroically shielded their adult daughter, Hope, as the masked shooter opened fire.
The alleged gunman, Vance Luther Boelter, reportedly disguised himself as a police officer before entering the home. Hoffman was shot six times and Yvette five; both underwent surgery and are in stable condition. Their daughter was unharmed. “My aunt threw herself on her daughter, using her body as a shield to save her life,” wrote Hoffman’s nephew on Facebook.
Authorities believe the attack on the Hoffmans was the start of a deadly spree. Around 3:30 a.m., Boelter allegedly drove to Brooklyn Park, where he shot and killed Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their doorstep.
Police responded quickly, arriving as Boelter fled the scene after exchanging gunfire. A manhunt ensued, with a lockdown and a three-mile perimeter set around the area. Residents were urged to remain cautious and only open their doors to verified officers.
Boelter’s wife, Jenny, was later detained for questioning near Onamia, Minnesota.
Boelter, a former public service appointee, left behind documents labeled “No Kings” and a manifesto listing 70 political targets, including Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
Investigators are probing whether anti-abortion views motivated the shootings, as the manifesto also referenced Planned Parenthood and pro-choice lawmakers.