Minnesota woke up to an unimaginable tragedy after two state lawmakers and their spouses were targeted in separate shootings that appear to be politically motivated. State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, while state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were both shot and remain hospitalized.
The attacks happened early Saturday morning. Police say someone pretending to be a police officer showed up at both lawmakers’ homes — first at Hoffman’s house in Champlin, and then later at Hortman’s residence about five miles away in Brooklyn Park. The suspect managed to gain entry and opened fire on both couples.
Governor Tim Walz described the killings as nothing short of a political assassination. During a press conference, he praised Hortman, calling her a leader who served Minnesota with heart, humor, and unwavering dedication. Her death, along with her husband’s, has left a deep hole in the state’s political and personal circles.
Senator Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman (née Selcer), were shot multiple times but survived the initial attack. Walz said doctors are “cautiously optimistic” about their recovery. The shocking events have sparked fear and outrage across the state, especially considering the political tensions that have been running high even as Minnesota lawmakers recently found rare moments of bipartisan compromise.
Law enforcement has launched a massive manhunt for the suspect, who remains at large. Police described him as a white man with brown hair, wearing a tactical vest over a blue shirt and blue pants.
A shelter-in-place order has been issued around Brooklyn Park as officers search for the gunman. Residents have been warned to be extremely cautious, especially if approached by anyone claiming to be law enforcement but arriving alone.
The investigation now includes multiple agencies, including local police, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the FBI. So far, officials have not released specific details on the shooter’s motive, though the political angle has been strongly suggested. The attacks have shaken not only Minnesota but the broader political world as leaders across party lines condemned the violence.
Inside the Life of Senator John Hoffman and His Wife Yvette
Long before tragedy struck, John Hoffman had quietly built a long-standing career in Minnesota public service. Born on January 17, 1965, in Wyoming, he began serving in the Minnesota Senate back in 2012, representing District 34, which includes parts of Anoka and Hennepin counties in the Twin Cities metro.
His path into politics actually started much earlier at the local level when he joined the Anoka-Hennepin School District Board in 2005. Before that, Hoffman was involved with the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council, where he advised Cabinet-level leaders on programs supporting children and families with special healthcare needs.
Over the years, Hoffman has earned the trust of his constituents, winning re-election in 2016, 2020, and 2022. During his time in office, he has held several leadership roles, including minority whip, and currently serves as chair of the Senate Human Services Committee, where much of his work centers on healthcare and social service policies in Minnesota.
Outside of his political life, Hoffman runs his business, Hoffman Strategic Advisors, based in Champlin. His personal life has long been anchored by his relationship with Yvette, his high school sweetheart.
Years later, in September 1993, they married — a moment John has described on Facebook as life-changing, writing, “I am who I am because she gave me the joyful yes… I am in love with you today and each day. Thank you for saying yes to this country guy.”
Together, they raised their daughter, Hope, while keeping much of their family life away from the public eye. That peaceful life was shattered on June 14, 2025, when a gunman stormed their Champlin home and opened fire, leaving both John and Yvette critically wounded.
As authorities continue their investigation, Minnesota remains shaken by the attack and the heartbreaking loss of Rep. Hortman and her husband. But amid the shock, calls for unity and justice grow louder across the state.
