Authorities have arrested Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old man. He’s accused of killing Democratic state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. On June 14, Boelter reportedly confronted and shot Hortman. State Senator John Hoffman, who was stabbed in the attack.
The shootings occurred at the Hortman home, bringing a swift and fierce response from local police. Following the violence, Boelter took off from the protest area on foot. This caused law enforcement to issue a national warrant for his arrest. Law enforcement discovered a vehicle associated with him less than ten miles from his residence in Green Isle. This farm is located an hour west of Minneapolis.
Vance Boelter was arrested late Sunday night in Minnesota. Authorities pursued in-depth investigations, speaking to his wife and other family members. Their hope was to help connect the dots between the deaths of five police officers on that fateful night and his arrest.
In addition to those killed, the attack severely injured state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Although Yvette Hoffman was shot eight times, she is now healed. Thankful though she was for their survival, her statement reported through Senator Amy Klobuchar.
“I took 9 bullet hits. I took 8 and we are both incredibly lucky to be alive. We are gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark.” – Yvette Hoffman (via Amy Klobuchar)
John Hoffman continues to be hospitalized and will require several reconstructive surgeries as he heals from severe injuries. His condition is more than improving, as Yvette Hoffman expressed beautifully in her testimony.
“John is enduring many surgeries right now and is closer every hour to being out of the woods,” – Yvette Hoffman (via Amy Klobuchar)
Those tragic events have reverberated through Minnesota’s political community and beyond. Our hearts go out to lawmakers and citizens mourning the tragic loss of Representative Hortman and her husband. Simultaneously, they are coming together to aid those injured in the attack.
Our authorities still work to learn the circumstances surrounding these shootings, and hopefully to understand what motivated such a violent act. As the community continues to process the tragedy, assisting the victims’ families is still the top priority.