Minnesota Senator’s Heart Nearly Missed in Shooting—Relative

A bullet narrowly missed Minnesota Democratic state Senator John Hoffman’s heart during Saturday’s shooting by suspect Vance Boelter, his nephew told local news station KARE 11.

Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, both underwent surgery following the shooting. In a coordinated attack, Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman, also a Democrat, and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed in their home.

Why It Matters

The FBI has identified Boelter as the shooter. Boelter impersonated a law enforcement official as he approached the lawmakers’ houses, wearing official-looking gear including a vest, badge, and equipment.

The suspect shot the Hoffmans several times in their home on Saturday and they are recovering from their operations.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz referred to the killings of the Hortmans’ as a “politically motivated assassination.”

What To Know

The Hoffmans’ nephew, Matt Oleg, told the local outlet that a bullet narrowly dodged his uncle’s heart. It is not clear where else Hoffman was shot.

His wife was also shot multiple times. None of her organs suffered any damage, Oleg said. He added that she threw herself on top of her daughter, Hope, to protect her from the bullets, saving her life. Hope was not struck by any bullets.

Hoffman is a member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) Party, and has held his seat representing the 34th district since being elected in 2012. He served as minority whip from 2017 to 2020, and currently is the chair of the Human Services Committee.

Police officers arrived at the Hoffmans’ house around 2 a.m. local time, when, according to a press release from the Champlin Police Department, “officers located two victims inside the residence with multiple gunshot wounds. Immediate life-saving efforts were rendered by responding officers until Allina Health emergency personnel arrived and transported both victims to a nearby hospital.”

Following the shooting at the Hoffmans’ house, the local Brooklyn Park police were called and “proactively” went to Hortman’s house around 3:45 a.m., Brooklyn Park police chief Mark Bruley said at a Saturday press conference.

When officers arrived, they exchanged gunfire with the suspect who escaped.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Boelter. He is considered “armed and dangerous.”

John Hoffman — Photo of Senator John A. Hoffman.
Photo of Senator John A. Hoffman.
Minnesota State Senate

What People Are Saying

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said during the Saturday press conference: “This was an act of targeted political violence. Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint…We must all, in Minnesota, and across the country stand against all forms of political violence.”

Bob Jacobson, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, said during Saturday’s press conference: “This is a dark day today for Minnesota, and for democracy.”

President Donald Trump in a Truth Social post Saturday: “I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison wrote in a post on X: “The Attorney General’s Office will do whatever it can to assist law enforcement in their investigation. My heart goes out to Melissa’s and Mark’s two children and their families.”

Senator Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, wrote in an X post Saturday: “Horrible news in our neighbor to the north/MN w the targeting of public servants Violence is never the answer I hope suspect is caught & swiftly brought to justice.”