Rep. Melissa Hortman, Sen. John Hoffman shot in 'targeted' shootings: Sources

[LightOfMyLife]

Melissa Hortman's memorial is at the home capitol. She represented the state of Minnesota. www.mprnews.org/story/2025/06/15/photos-memorials-for-rep-melissa-hortman-appear-at-home-capitol I read something online that Melissa's mom went through her wallet and found a prayer to St. Francis of Assisi. I am thinking she must have been Catholic.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Everyone's being extra nice and polite the last few days. Strangers helping each other, even moreso, and even with tiny things. Store employees taking extra time and being extra kind a patient to help customers and each other. People out-and-about in general watching out for each other and extending extra courtesy and patience. A lot of extra smiles and waves, and the usual "Minnesota Nice" stand-offs at intersections, with drivers insisting that the other goes first

The churches are urging people to do what's right, instead of falling prey to or joining in the rhetoric and partisan extremism. Churches are also opening doors and providing services to help people cope with the assassinations and attempted assassinations.

This, despite what the spin doctors/national media/puppets of national politicians are trying to do. The assumptions, the trying to amp stuff up, the pessimism that "Minnesota Nice" and the underlying culture are dead and can't survive this.

Um, nope, just more "agenda" and we're not playing. There'll be more security, but that's about it for long-term impact after the furor dies down. Security probably should have already been upped, but usual safety and neighborliness have evidently caused some complacency [sigh]

TPTB and their media minions keep taking the lid off the pot and stirring and we keep taking the spoon away
So there, too!


Give us a little time, and things will be OK . . . nothing to see here . . . move along . . . these aren't the droids you're looking for . . .

The vicious tone of national politics pollutes Minnesota after shooting​

2 days ago
Mike Wendling
BBC News•@mwendling
Reporting from
St Paul, Minnesota

"Jessie Ebertz held back tears as she stood in front of a makeshift memorial honouring Democratic politician Melissa Hortman and her husband who were killed last week.
"Minnesota has felt a little bit like a safe haven," said Ms Ebertz, a government employee who lives in the state capital, "because we have been able to keep our atmosphere of respecting one another here."
"This has blown that out of the water.""

"But the attacks, which appear politically motivated, have badly shaken confidence in the state's reputation for politeness, courtesy and respect, an attitude that has its own nickname and Wikipedia page: "Minnesota nice.""

More

The vicious tone of national politics pollutes Minnesota after shooting

In a place that prides itself on politeness and respect, people are reeling after the targeted assassination of a popular politician.

www.bbc.com

Once known for civility, Minnesota succumbs to spread of political violence​

By Nathan Layne
June 15, 20259:22 PM CDTUpdated June 16, 2025

"BLAINE, Minnesota, June 15 (Reuters) - From the pulpit on Sunday, Father Joe Whalen exhorted his parishioners to avoid the kind of extreme partisanship and hate that appeared to be behind the killing of one of the church's own, Democratic Minnesota state legislator Melissa Hortman.
It was a message that Whalen felt his congregation needed to hear, even at the Catholic church where Hortman once taught Sunday school, and in a state known for the political civility of a bygone era.
In his homily at the Church of St. Timothy, Whalen told his parish to adhere to the Christian message of peace and warned against responding to political discourse with unkindness or anger, especially when cloaked in anonymity online.
"We can choose all that by our words, by our thoughts, by our actions or we can walk a different path, and we can invite the cycle of retribution," Whalen said. "We know what we need to do.""

"Not only did the shootings serve as a stark reminder of the spread of political violence, they occurred in a state perceived by many - rightly or wrongly - to be a haven of civic-mindedness and bipartisanship, an impression captured in the cultural stereotype "Minnesota nice.""

"While Minnesota leans blue in state-wide races, control of the legislature is evenly split between the parties, requiring lawmakers to compromise to get anything done. Both Hortman and Hoffman were known to work across the aisle.
"Minnesota has a unique reputation, and I think it's somewhat merited. We have typically, at least politically, not been as excessive as other places," David Hann, former chairman of the state Republican Party, told Reuters.
"But I think that has changed.""

More

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/once-known-civility-minnesota-succumbs-spread-political-violence-2025-06-16/

It should be noted, David Hann was ousted as leader of MNGOP in 2024 . . . guess the press couldn't find anyone currently in a leadership position to say anything to support "the agenda." Like the George Floyd aftermath, the vast majority of reporting is negative, and most of the good stuff isn't being published, especially in/by the national media

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Local updates (not social media or tabloid)​

Sen. John Hoffman's family releases statement detailing night of shooting​

By Riley Moser
June 19, 2025 / 8:52 PM CDT / CBS Minnesota

"Because we have been hospitalized and receiving medical care, we have not been able to provide much information regarding the horrible circumstances of June 14th, but would now like to provide a statement offering more clarity of what happened.
"After having attended the Humphrey Mondale dinner on Friday, June 13th, we returned to our home, joined there by our adult daughter, Hope. At approximately 2:00 a.m., we were all awakened by the sounds of pounding on the front door and shouts of someone seeking entry, identifying himself as a police officer. When the door was opened, all three of us were in the entryway. John initially lunged at the gunman as the weapon was pointed directly at him, getting struck nine times. As John fell, Yvette reached out to push the man and shut the door, succeeding before she was also hit eight times by gunfire. Hope then rushed to shut the door and secured the lock; she got to the phone and shared with the 911 operator that Senator John Hoffman had been shot in his home. Her brave actions and quick thinking triggered the notice to public safety officials that a politically-motivated act was potentially underway.
"As we continue to receive medical care, we are deeply grateful for those providers, for the first responders and for all those in law enforcement who worked so quickly, professionally and selflessly to safeguard others and to apprehend the shooter, starting with our own officers in Champlin and Brooklyn Park. We are heartbroken to know that our friends Melissa and Mark Hortman were assassinated. Our daughter Hope and Sophie Hortman went to school together, and we know that they - along with Colin Hortman - will have each other's support as we all work through the devastating consequences of that horrific night. We want to thank all those at Fernbrook School behind the GoFundMe account - you will be helping us pick up the broken pieces of our lives. We are uplifted by the prayers and support from so many across the state of Minnesota and the country: thank you.
"Choosing to work in the public sector, even in as limited a way as John's career as a senator, has always meant sacrificing a level of privacy. But now we are grappling with the reality that we live in a world where public service carries such risks as being targeted because someone disagrees with you or doesn't like what you stand for. As a society, as a nation, as a community, we must work together to return to a level of civility that allows us all to live peacefully. The future for our children depends on that. We will be praying for that work and appreciate all those who will join with us."

More

Sen. John Hoffman's family releases statement detailing night of shooting

Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, released a new statement detailing the night they were both shot in their home over the weekend.

www.cbsnews.com

Service dog training organization flooded with donations following fatal shooting of Rep. Melissa Hortman​

By Esme Murphy
June 19, 2025 / 6:30 PM CDT / CBS Minnesota

"At a candlelight vigil for the Hortmans, Helping Paws dogs were out in full force.
"A woman came up and said, 'You know, I made a donation to your organization,' and she's like, 'I just needed to put my rage somewhere'," said Golob.
Golob says the organization usually gets 50-100 contributions a month. Since the tragedy they have gotten 5,700 individual donations in just days — so many they have not yet totaled the dollar amount.
Helping Paws says it wants to work with the family to set up an appropriate memorial to Gilbert and the Hortmans."

More

Service dog training organization flooded with donations following fatal shooting of Rep. Melissa Hortman

The Hortmans ended up keeping the last dog they trained, Gilbert, after he flunked out because he was too friendly.

www.cbsnews.com

Federal prosecution of Melissa Hortman's alleged killer will precede state case, HCAO says​

By Beret Leone, Stephen Swanson
June 19, 2025 / 4:18 PM CDT / CBS Minnesota

"The Hennepin County Attorney's Office says it has no plans to drop the state charges against Vance Boelter, the man accused of killing Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark this past weekend inside their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota"

"A spokesperson with the office says they're in "frequent contact" with the U.S. Attorney's Office, which "has the legal authority to determine the order in which Mr. Boelter is prosecuted."
"Both federal court and state court have jurisdiction in this matter."

"The federal charges against Boelter carry the possibility of the death penalty: two counts of murder; two counts of stalking; and two weapons charges."

"Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty charged Boelter with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder on Saturday. In a press conference two days later, she said the move was made in order to obtain a nationwide arrest warrant, and that level is also the highest that can be charged via complaint.
Moriarty says she is seeking a first-degree murder charge as well for Boelter, which could result in life without parole if he's convicted.
"I want to assure our community and all those who are grieving that we will seek justice and accountability for the victims of these heinous crimes," Moriarty said."

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Federal prosecution of Melissa Hortman's alleged killer will precede state case, HCAO says

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office says it has no plans to drop the state charges against Vance Boelter, the man accused of killing Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband this past weekend inside their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

www.cbsnews.com

Vance Boelter's childhood best friend: "It chills me to think he was ... writing that stuff in my house.​

June 18, 2025 / 10:09 AM CDT / AP

"But the life change was in keeping with Boelter's impetuous "mentality to always go to the extreme," Carlson said, recalling a time in the 1990s when Boelter was captured by security forces after sneaking into Gaza to preach Christianity on a trip to Israel. "That's how crazy Vance is," Carlson said. "He wasn't supposed to be there."
Years earlier, after becoming a Christian, Boelter "burned all of his belongings," Carlson said, including karate and martial arts weapons and anything else that distracted from his religion."

"Boelter graduated in 1990 from an interdenominational Bible college in Dallas, earning a diploma in practical theology in leadership. The Christ For The Nations Institute said in a statement it was "aghast and horrified" to learn the suspect was among its alumni, saying "this is not who we are."
The church Boelter attended outside Minneapolis has not responded to emails from AP but issued a similar statement condemning the shootings as "the opposite of what Jesus taught his followers to do.""

More

Vance Boelter's childhood best friend: "It chills me to think he was ... writing that stuff in my house."

A lifelong friend of the alleged Minnesota gunman says Vance Boelter had been struggling to find work and was wrestling with a "darkness that was inside of him" at the time of the shootings.

www.cbsnews.com

 

[Hol]

after becoming a Christian, Boelter "burned all of his belongings,"

Something is not right

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Something is not right

At least some of the things listed in the article are considered by some Christians to be evil, occultic, and/or pagan. That might or might not have been what the friend said, but since it's originally an AP story, it's possible the AP reporter "cleaned it up" to make it more PC. The friend may or may not have understood what Boelter meant about interfering with his religion or may have translated in his mind what he thought Boelter said/meant when this happened. For some people, possession of anything, or of some types of items, from before becoming a Christian can be a temptation to go back to old ways and practices, which he or she thinks are evil, compromising, too big of a temptation, etc.

Some churches are extremely strict about what their congregants may own, possess, or use, or issue guidance that some types of things shouldn't be in congregants' homes. If Boelter was a member of such a church and believed what the church taught about those things, then destroying prohibited items makes sense. A mainstream example of this might be a Quaker Church, which is pacifist, admonishing its members not to have firearms in the home.

No different than a drug addict getting clean getting rid of drugs, drug paraphernalia, magazines, cell phone contacts, T shirts or coffee mugs with marijuana emblems, etc.

As more stuff comes out, it looks more and more as if Boelter is mentally ill. It's not unusual for mentally ill people with some diagnoses to throw out or burn belongings.

 

[Hol]

As more stuff comes out, it looks more and more as if Boelter is mentally ill. It's not unusual for mentally ill people with some diagnoses to throw out or burn belongings.

I think you’re right.

When it comes to believers burning things: “And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone; and they added up the prices of the books and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.” Acts 19:19 What a noble act of worship!

Boelter’s childhood friend and roommate described the burning in the context of Boelter as crazy and extreme.

 

[Hol]

Minnesota shooting suspect Vance Boelter makes wild Tim Walz claim in 'incoherent' letter to the FBI​

Minnesota shooting suspect Vance Boelter wrote a 'incoherent' letter to the FBI wildly claiming that Governor Tim Walz ordered him to kill Senator Amy Klobuchar so that Walz could steal her job.

Boelter is accused of fatally shooting former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday in the northern Minneapolis suburbs.

He also allegedly shot and wounded another Democrat, Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette, who lived a few miles away.

Minnesota shooting suspect wildly claims Walz ordered political attack

In addition to the discovery of Boelter's hit list including several liberal politicians and celebrities, he also address a letter to the FBI that was described as 'rambling' and 'conspiratorial.'

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Local coverage (no social media)

In the first article, some of Boelter's assets are listed. I hope they make him pay/reimburse a substantial amount of the Public Defender's cost. If he were tried for murder in Minnesota, it would be a LOT cheaper than Federal court, because there's no death penalty, so no automatic appeals as there are in death penalty cases. He might not have even qualified for a Public Defender in State court. Or maybe after the Feds are done, when Minnesota gets its whack at him, maybe they'll deny Public Defender and make him sell assets to pay for his legal representation.

The third article has a detailed list of recovered items.

What's next for Vance Boelter, suspect in Minnesota lawmaker shootings, as he heads to court​

By Esme Murphy
Updated on: June 23, 2025 / 6:16 AM CDT / CBS Minnesota

"As grieving continues for Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the long recovery continues for Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, law enforcement and prosecutors are moving forward with prosecuting suspect Vance Boelter.
It's a case filled with sensational and cruel details, also with heroism by police and the victims who tried to fight back.
There is evidence aplenty: abandoned weapons registered in Boelter's name, shocking surveillance images of the masked suspect at the victims' door, a journal with a hit list and even a handwritten note addressed to the FBI signed with Boelter's signature, admitting to the crimes.
Court documents say there is also video of the attack on John and Yvette Hoffman, who, along with their daughter, Hope, tried to fight off the attacker.
Federal and state prosecutors have filed very similar charges in federal and state courts. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says she wants the state case to go first, but so far, the hearings have been in or scheduled for federal court."

More

What's next for Vance Boelter, suspect in Minnesota lawmaker shootings, as he heads to court

Federal prosecutors say it's possible Vance Boelter, who has not entered a plea yet, could face the death penalty.

www.cbsnews.com

Minnesota lawmaker shootings suspect had nearly 50 firearms at his Green Isle home, warrant reveals​

By Riley Moser
June 23, 2025 / 3:28 PM CDT / CBS Minnesota

"Search warrants show police recovered nearly 50 firearms from the home of Vance Boelter, the man charged in the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses earlier this month.

Law enforcement carried out a search warrant at Boelter's Green Isle, Minnesota, home the afternoon of June 14, just hours before police arrested him nearby, ending a manhunt that lasted over 36 hours.

Documents reveal that investigators found a total of 48 guns in Boelter's home as well as a tub of ammunition. Of those guns, there were 20 rifles, 15 revolvers, nine shotguns and four pistols. Additionally, charges say officers found at least three AK-47 assault rifles and a 9mm handgun inside an SUV registered to Boelter.

On a desk inside his residence, law enforcement found a notecard with the names and states of public officials written on it, according to the search warrant. Investigators also recovered nearly $18,000 in cash from the home.

Boelter, 57, is accused of shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette around 2 a.m. on June 14, shortly before fatally shooting state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in their Brooklyn Park home. In between the two shootings, investigators said Boelter visited the homes of two other Democratic legislators. Those lawmakers have since identified themselves as state Rep. Kristin Bahner and Sen. Ann Rest."

More

Minnesota lawmaker shootings suspect had nearly 50 firearms at his Green Isle home, warrant reveals

Search warrants show police recovered nearly 50 firearms from the home of Vance Boelter, the man charged in the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses earlier this month.

www.cbsnews.com

Vance Boelter search warrants: Authorities find nearly 50 guns, body bags and cash​

By Katie Wermus
Published June 23, 2025 1:38pm CDT

Post in thread 'Rep. Melissa Hortman, Sen. John Hoffman shot in 'targeted' shootings: Sources'

Jun 23, 2025

Minnesota shooting suspect Vance Boelter makes wild Tim Walz claim in 'incoherent' letter to the FBI​

Minnesota shooting suspect Vance Boelter wrote a 'incoherent' letter to the FBI wildly claiming that Governor Tim Walz ordered him to kill Senator Amy Klobuchar so that Walz could steal her job.

Boelter is accused of fatally shooting former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday in the northern Minneapolis suburbs.

He also allegedly shot and wounded another Democrat, Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette...

• Hol

• 
• 

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Continuing local coverage (no social media)

Vance Boelter, man charged in Minnesota lawmaker shootings, makes federal court appearance​

By WCCO Staff, Esme Murphy, The Associated Press
Updated on: July 3, 2025 / 6:43 PM CDT / CBS Minnesota

"Vance Boelter, the man accused of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, made another federal court appearance Thursday.
He waived his right to a probable cause hearing and a detention hearing he had scheduled. The hearing lasted less than 10 minutes.
He told the judge he was "looking forward to the truth about the 14th [getting] to the public."
"Especially by waiving these two things that gets to get that faster, where the truth can come out," Boelter said."

More

Vance Boelter, man charged in Minnesota lawmaker shootings, makes federal court appearance

Vance Boelter, the man accused of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, made another federal court appearance Thursday.

www.cbsnews.com

Older local coverage

Biden pays tribute as lawmaker Melissa Hortman, husband Mark, and dog lie in state at Minnesota Capitol​

By Stephen Swanson, Reg Chapman, Jonah Kaplan
Updated on: June 27, 2025 / 5:49 PM CDT / CBS Minnesota

"The public took the opportunity on Friday to bid farewell to slain Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark and their dog, Gilbert — all of whom are lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda.
Melissa Hortman is the first woman to ever lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol, and only one of nearly 20 people to ever have the honor.
Gov. Tim Walz was among the first mourners to visit the rotunda on Friday. Later Friday afternoon, former President Joe Biden arrived at the State Capitol rotunda to pay tribute."

"She got a lot of things done, she championed a lot of things that are important to a lot of people," Ken Toenjes, of Anoka, said. "She was very good at compromising, and she was a wonderful person."
A private funeral for the Hortmans will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. WCCO will livestream the service beginning at 10 a.m.
On behalf of the Hortmans' children, Walz extended an invitation to former Vice President Kamala Harris. She will attend Saturday's services but will not be speaking.
Melissa Hortman served in the Minnesota House for 11 terms, representing District 34B. She also spent several years in the role of House Speaker.
Since her killing, many have been praising the former Minnesota House speaker's leadership. On Thursday, U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Delano, honored her on the House floor as a bridge builder.
"As speaker of the Minnesota House, she led with integrity and fostered bipartisan collaboration, even during the most challenging times in our state," Emmer said."

More

Biden pays tribute as lawmaker Melissa Hortman, husband Mark, and dog lie in state at Minnesota Capitol

The public has the opportunity on Friday to bid farewell to slain Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark and their dog, Gilbert — all of whom will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda.

www.cbsnews.com

Gilbert was the first dog to lie in State

Rep. Melissa Hortman and husband, Mark, will be the first pair to lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol​

The two and their dog Gilbert will be honored on Friday.
Author: Jennifer Hoff (KARE 11)
Published: 9:39 PM CDT June 24, 2025
Updated: 10:22 PM CDT June 24, 2025

"ST PAUL, Minn. — On Tuesday, Gov. Tim Walz announced House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband, Mark, and their golden retriever, Gilbert, will lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol on Friday.
Anyone can pay their respects on Friday from noon to 5 p.m. That will be followed by a private funeral on Saturday that will be live-streamed starting at 10:30 a.m."

"To lie in state is a rare honor — one bestowed on fewer than 20 people in state history. Rep. Hortman will be the first woman and Gilbert the first dog."

"The ceremonial honor is a way to recognize a distinguished person and allow the public to pay their respects.
Former Governor Al Quie was the most recent person to lie in state in 2023. The list also includes Civil War Veteran William Colville in 1905, Nobel Peace Prize winner Frank Kellogg in 1937 and former Vice President Hubert Humphrey in 1978."

More

Rep. Melissa Hortman and husband, Mark, will be the first pair to lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol

Rep. Melissa Hortman will be the first woman to lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol, and Gilbert will be the first dog.

www.kare11.com

 

[Batman]

I fully support swift and severe justice, and this one should be a quick execution. It's hard to believe just how soft our country has gotten with violent criminals, let alone murderers.