Minnesota legislators Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, both members of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), have tragically become victims of a shooting incident. Their dedication to public service and community improvement was recognized by many colleagues.
On Saturday morning, Hortman, 55, and her husband, Mark, were found shot dead in their Brooklyn Park home. Investigators report that they were targeted by a suspect posing as a police officer. The couple leaves behind two children.
Earlier that day, Hoffman, 60, and his wife, Yvette, were also shot in their Champlin residence by the same suspect. They were quickly transported to a hospital for surgery, as confirmed by Governor Tim Walz.
Authorities have identified 57-year-old Vance Boelter as the shooter and are actively searching for him.
Both Hortman and Hoffman have had significant careers in Minnesota politics. Hortman, who graduated from Boston University with a BA in political science and philosophy, later earned a law degree from the University of Minnesota and an MPA from Harvard. Since her first campaign for office in 1998, she has served in various leadership roles, including House Speaker after the DFL regained a majority in 2019. Throughout her career, she championed issues like reproductive rights, environmental protection, and stricter gun control laws, particularly after the events surrounding George Floyd’s death.
Despite setbacks in her early political career, Hortman was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2004 and quickly rose through the ranks. During the latest legislative session, she navigated a power-sharing agreement following a tense standoff with House Republicans.
Mark Hortman, married to Melissa for 31 years, worked as a program manager for nVent Electric and often shared updates about their family on social media.
Their tragic passing coincides with what would have been Melissa’s father’s birthday, prompting a heartfelt response from her sister, Lieza Jean Haluptzok, who expressed, “We loved them dearly; they will be missed. It’s a horrible thing. I hope they catch him. And they get justice for what happened. It’s devastating.”
Hoffman, who was elected to the State Senate in 2012, earned his bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s University and spent years involved with local businesses and non-profits. He was a co-founder of a consumer assistance organization and served on the Anoka Hennepin School Board. Throughout his tenure as a senator, he focused on human services and held the minority whip position from 2017 to 2020.
As investigations continue into this shocking incident, the community mourns the loss of two dedicated public servants who dedicated their lives to supporting and improving the lives of others.