Minnesota lawmaker who survived shooting shares chilling account of targeted attack

Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette recently shared the harrowing details of the night they were shot multiple times by a masked gunman who went on to tragically “assassinate” another state lawmaker and her husband.

The terrifying ordeal unfolded after a Democratic fundraising dinner, when the Hoffmans were startled by pounding on their front door and a voice claiming to be a police officer demanding entry around 2 a.m. The couple, along with their daughter Hope, opened the door only to be faced with a man wielding a gun.

In a brave attempt to protect his family, John lunged at the gunman, but was struck a total of nine times. Yvette, in a desperate bid to shield her loved ones, managed to push the assailant and shut the door, but not before she was also hit eight times by gunfire.

Their daughter Hope acted quickly, slamming and locking the door before calling 911 for help. The gunman, identified as Vance Boelter, then fled the scene and proceeded to the Brooklyn Park home of Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman, where he fatally shot Melissa, her husband, and their family dog.

Heartbroken by the loss of their friends Melissa and Mark Hortman, the Hoffmans expressed their grief and shock, revealing that their daughters were schoolmates. Both John and Yvette underwent surgery to treat their injuries, with John currently in critical but stable condition, and Yvette in stable condition.

After a 43-hour manhunt, Boelter was apprehended by authorities. The motive behind the shootings appeared to be politically motivated, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemning the violence as “targeted political violence.” Boelter had a list of 70 targets, mostly Democrats or individuals associated with Planned Parenthood or abortion rights.

Despite the risks that come with public service, the Hoffmans emphasized the need for civility and unity in society. They urged for a return to peaceful coexistence and called for collective efforts to address the alarming trend of political violence.

Boelter is now facing murder charges and remains in federal custody. The community continues to mourn the loss of Melissa and Mark Hortman, while offering support to the Hoffman family as they focus on their recovery.