Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman was assassinated just days after casting a politically explosive vote—siding with Republicans to block taxpayer-funded healthcare for adult illegal immigrants.
Hortman, a longtime Democratic leader, had crossed party lines in what became the deciding vote to overturn a controversial state policy. “I did what leaders do,” she said defiantly after the vote. “I stepped up and got the job done for the people of Minnesota.”
Less than 72 hours later, she and her husband were gunned down in their home. Law enforcement officials are treating the shooting as a targeted political assassination.
State Senator John Hoffman, another Democrat who had recently signaled support for the repeal, was also shot in a separate attack. Both he and his wife survived and are in stable condition. His wife, Yvette Hoffman, was reportedly shielding their daughter during the shooting.
The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, is still at large. Authorities say he posed as a police officer to gain access to the victims and may be connected to a fringe group involved in anti-Trump “No Kings” demonstrations. Inside his vehicle, investigators discovered a manifesto, a tactical uniform, and a hit list that included multiple Minnesota officials—both Democrat and Republican—along with high-profile pro-life leaders.
Governor Tim Walz has deployed additional state police and warned residents to remain vigilant. The FBI is now involved, and a statewide manhunt is underway. A $50,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Boelter’s capture.
The brazen nature of the attacks—and their apparent link to Hortman’s break with her party—have ignited fresh concerns over political violence and the safety of elected officials. In a rare moment of unity, leaders across the aisle condemned the shootings and called for justice.
This wasn’t just a killing. It was a message—and one that’s shaken Minnesota to its core.