Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, have spoken out following a harrowing assassination attempt that left John critically wounded and Yvette recovering from eight gunshot wounds. The attack occurred at their home, where the assailant, Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old masked gunman, posed as a police officer before firing 17 rounds. Their daughter, Hope, played a crucial role in calling 911 after locking herself in a room. The same night, Boelter also killed State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband in a politically motivated spree that has rocked the state. The Hoffmans’ statement included expressions of gratitude for survival and heartbreak over the Hortman family’s loss.

Boelter, a former appointee under Governor Tim Walz, was described as “very conservative” and was captured after fleeing to a wooded area. Authorities discovered a typed hit list in his car that named multiple Democratic officials in Minnesota, pointing to a politically charged motive. Boelter’s background includes theological studies and missionary work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as food service employment. The Hoffmans condemned the rise of political extremism and violence, emphasizing the escalating risks public officials face in today’s climate. They called for a return to civility and peaceful discourse in society, warning that democracy itself is threatened when political disagreements turn deadly. Their message echoed growing concerns nationwide about safety and the tone of political dialogue.