Breaking: Minnesota lawmakers shot in Green Isle attack. Suspect Vance Luther Boelter in custody after targeting DFL legislators. Latest updates on Rep. Melissa Hortman, Sen. John Hoffman conditions.
Shooting of Minnesota Lawmakers: What We Know
A politically motivated attack shook Minnesota Thursday when gunman Vance Luther Boelter, 57, opened fire on Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) lawmakers at an event in Green Isle, MN. The shooting left multiple injured, including:
- House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman (non-life-threatening injuries)
- State Senator John Hoffman (stable condition)
- Two staff members (recovering)
Governor Tim Walz condemned the “act of political violence,” calling it “an attack on our democracy.”
Suspect Identified: Who is Vance Luther Boelter?
Key Details About the Shooter
- Name: Vance Luther Boelter, 57
- Hometown: Champlin, MN
- Political Affiliation: Investigators reviewing manifesto (sources say far-right ties)
- Arrest: Captured after manhunt near Edinburgh USA Golf Course
Boelter’s Possible Motive
- Targeted DFL lawmakers specifically
- Online posts referenced 2024 election grievances
- Officials treating as assassination attempt
Victims: Condition of Injured Minnesota Lawmakers
1. Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park)
- Role: Former MN House Speaker
- Injuries: Gunshot wound to arm
- Status: Expected to recover fully
Who is Melissa Hortman? Key Facts About the Minnesota Lawmaker Targeted in Shooting
Political Career & Leadership
- Current Role: Speaker Emerita of the Minnesota House (previously served as Speaker from 2019-2022)
- District: Represents Brooklyn Park (District 36B) since 2005
- Notable Achievements:
- Led passage of Minnesota’s $72 billion budget (2023)
- Championed police reform laws after George Floyd’s murder
- Key figure in legalizing recreational cannabis (2023)
2. Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin)
- Role: Education Committee Chair
- Injuries: Leg wound
- Status: Undergoing surgery at HCMC
Who is Senator John Hoffman? Profile of the Minnesota Lawmaker Targeted in Shooting
Political Background & Current Role
- Position: Minnesota State Senator (DFL-Champlin) since 2013
- District: Represents Senate District 36 (Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Coon Rapids)
- Key Committee Roles:
- Chair of Early Childhood & K-12 Education Committee
- Vice Chair of Human Services Committee
- Notable Legislation:
- Authored 2023’s Free School Meals for All Students bill
- Led mental health funding increases for schools
- Co-sponsored Minnesota’s paid family leave program
Other Victims
- Two legislative aides (names withheld)
- Bystander injured during escape
And there it is.
The Minnesota assassin who shot Democratic lawmakers “voted for Donald Trump and was a strong Trump supporter,” according to his best friend. pic.twitter.com/9w5KuZ09uI
— No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) June 14, 2025Timeline of the Minnesota Political Shooting
- 11:23 AM: Boelter arrives at Green Isle community center
- 11:30 AM: Gunfire erupts during DFL meeting
- 11:42 AM: 911 calls report “active shooter”
- 12:15 PM: Suspect flees toward Brooklyn Park
- 2:05 PM: Arrested near golf course
Reactions: From Walz to National Leaders
Political Responses
- Gov. Tim Walz: “Terrorism against public servants won’t be tolerated.”
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar: “This violence is un-American.”
- DFL Chair Ken Martin: “A dark day for Minnesota.”
Security Changes
- Increased capitol police presence
- Shelter-in-place orders lifted by 5 PM
Manhunt: How Police Caught Vance Boelter
- K-9 units tracked him to Edinburgh USA golf course
- Surrendered without further shots fired
- Vehicle contained weapons, handwritten notes
Also read-Jessica Pegula Powers Past Li in All-American French Open Clash, Advances to Third Round
Minnesota on Edge: Is This Political Terrorism?
Investigative Focus
- FBI reviewing Boelter’s manifesto
- Possible ties to extremist groups
- MN GOP condemns violence: “No place in politics”
National Context
- Echoes of 2011 Gabby Giffords shooting
- Rising threats against state legislators (per DHS reports)
FAQs: Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting
1. Who was targeted?
DFL lawmakers at a constituent meeting.
2. Is Melissa Hortman alive?
Yes, expected to recover.
3. Was this an assassination attempt?
Authorities say evidence suggests intentional targeting.
4. What’s Boelter’s party affiliation?
Under investigation, but online posts show far-right leanings.
5. Where to get updates?
Follow KARE 11, WCCO, Star Tribune.
6.What was the exact location of the shooting?
The attack occurred at a community center in Green Isle, MN, during a Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party meeting.
7. How many people were injured in total?
At least four people were shot, including two lawmakers (Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman) and two staff members.
What’s Next? Legal & Political Fallout
- Charges: Expected to include attempted murder, terrorism
- Security: Walz orders review of lawmaker protection
- Elections: Could impact 2024 MN legislative races
