Lawmaker and wife shot in their home during politically motivated attack

In the United States, Minnesota state Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were victims of a brutal shooting that occurred at their home in Champlin on June 14, 2025. The attack happened around 2 a.m. when a man posing as a police officer pounded on their door. Security footage identified the intruder as Vance Boelter, who was equipped with a black tactical vest and a flashlight and was wearing a flesh-colored mask. When the Hoffmans opened the door and realized they were dealing with an imposter, Patrick lunged at Boelter in an attempt to disarm him. During the struggle, Boelter shot John Hoffman nine times and struck Yvette Hoffman eight times before she could manage to close the door. Fortunately, their adult daughter, Hope, was present and was able to call for help, which led to the swift transport of both John and Yvette to an area hospital. Soon after the incident, law enforcement began their investigation into Boelter's motives and the broader context of the shooting. After the attack, the Hoffmans underwent surgery to address their injuries; Yvette was released from the hospital on June 19, just days after the violent encounter. John, however, faced a longer road to recovery, having been in the ICU for over three weeks. He was eventually moved to a rehabilitation facility where he continues to receive care. The couple's near-fatal experience highlights a concerning trend of violence against lawmakers, as just hours after their attack, former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were murdered in what Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled as a politically motivated assault. Following the shooting of the Hoffmans, Boelter was apprehended approximately 36 hours later in Sibley County. He has been charged with multiple crimes, including murder and attempted murder, and remains in custody without bail. Investigators noted that Boelter had attempted to visit the homes of two other elected officials on the same night, although he was deterred before making contact with them. Officials have indicated that should he be convicted, he may face severe penalties, including the death penalty. The disturbing nature of these events prompted a notable response from former President Joe Biden, who visited John Hoffman in the hospital shortly after the shooting occurred, showing solidarity amid this wave of violence against public figures. This horrific event not only underscores the dangers lawmakers face but also raises questions about political volatility and the potential for violence in the current political climate. As investigations proceed and the community processes both trauma and loss, the repercussions of these events will likely linger, impacting legislation and public safety moving forward.