Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman is recovering in a rehabilitation facility after surviving a targeted shooting that left both him and his wife critically wounded. The June 14 attack, described by officials as politically motivated, marks one of the most violent incidents involving an elected official in recent state history.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. at Hoffman’s home in Champlin, a northern suburb of Minneapolis. According to investigators, the gunman, dressed as a police officer, entered the home under false pretenses before opening fire. Senator Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were both shot multiple times. Their adult daughter, who was also present in the home, escaped injury and called 911, prompting a rapid emergency response. Hoffman was transported to a nearby hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit, where he underwent multiple surgeries. According to a family statement, he sustained nine gunshot wounds. Yvette Hoffman was shot eight times and also required extensive medical care. After several weeks in the hospital, both are continuing their recovery, with Senator Hoffman now transferred to a rehabilitation facility.
The alleged shooter, 57-year-old Vance Boelter of Hastings, Minnesota, was apprehended after a 43-hour statewide manhunt. Law enforcement found him in rural Pine County, armed and in possession of a hit list containing the names of more than 40 current and former elected officials. Officials confirmed that Boelter fatally shot Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, just 90 minutes before the attack on the Hoffmans.
Authorities say Boelter’s actions were politically motivated. He had posted anti-government messages online in the months leading up to the shooting and had reportedly harbored grievances against state Democratic leaders. Governor Tim Walz confirmed that Boelter impersonated a law enforcement officer to gain access to his targets’ homes. He described the crimes as “domestic terrorism” and warned that politically driven violence must not be normalized.
“An attack on our public servants is an attack on democracy itself,” Walz said. “We are united in grief, but also in determination. We will do everything we can to keep our communities safe and hold this perpetrator accountable.”
Boelter is currently facing multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and impersonating a police officer. Federal charges are also being considered, as the case involves threats to public officials and use of firearms in the commission of domestic terrorism.
The shock of the attacks has reverberated across Minnesota, where elected officials have expressed grief, fear, and resolve. Lawmakers from both parties have called for increased security measures for public servants and better monitoring of extremist threats. While Minnesota has not historically seen high levels of politically motivated violence, this incident has prompted new scrutiny of online radicalization and gaps in threat assessment.
John Hoffman, a Democrat representing District 34, has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2013. Known for his work on education and health care, he had recently taken on a greater leadership role within the DFL caucus. Friends and colleagues described him as a calm and dedicated public servant who avoided partisan confrontation and focused on legislative consensus.
In a statement released by his family, Hoffman thanked the medical staff, law enforcement, and members of the public who supported him during his hospitalization. “John is strong and determined,” the statement read. “While the road to recovery will be long, he is filled with gratitude for being alive and for the outpouring of love he and Yvette have received.”
Plans for Hoffman’s return to the Capitol remain unclear, but aides say he is staying informed about legislative developments and intends to resume work when medically able. His wife is also continuing rehabilitation, and both are expected to recover fully over time.
As the investigation continues, state leaders are urging Minnesotans to stand against hate and political violence. Vigils have been held in both Champlin and Brooklyn Park to honor the victims and affirm support for democratic institutions.
