Minneapolis, Minnesota — State Senator John Hoffman is in critical but stable condition after being shot nine times in his home last week. His wife, Yvette Hoffman, is recovering after sustaining eight gunshot wounds in the same attack. The couple shared details of the harrowing incident, which took place on June 14, in a statement released Thursday.
According to the Hoffmans, they had attended a dinner with their adult daughter, Hope, the evening before the attack. In the early hours, they were awakened by loud banging on their front door, accompanied by calls from someone claiming to be a police officer seeking entry. The family members gathered near the entryway, and when the door swung open, John Hoffman confronted the armed assailant, who was aiming his weapon directly at him.
As John Hoffman fell to the floor, Yvette attempted to push the intruder back and close the door, an act that proved futile as she was shot multiple times. Hope then managed to lock the door and immediately contacted emergency services, indicating that a state senator had been shot. Their quick actions were pivotal in alerting authorities to the seriousness of the situation.
The alleged shooter, Vance Boelter, was arrested two days later following an extensive manhunt, one of the largest in Minnesota’s history. He faces charges related not only to the Hoffmans but also to the tragic deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman, another couple involved in the state’s political landscape who were killed on the same night.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled the shootings as an act of “targeted political violence,” sending shockwaves through the state’s political community and raising concerns about the safety of public officials. In their statement, the Hoffmans expressed their gratitude toward medical personnel, first responders, and law enforcement for their rapid response in the wake of the attack.
The couple also reflected on the tragic loss of their friends, Melissa and Mark Hortman, who shared a close connection with their family. Yvette is a beloved member of Fernbrook School, where a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated by the community to help cover the Hoffmans’ mounting medical expenses, raising over $200,000 to date.
In their message to the public, the Hoffmans emphasized the urgent need to restore civility in political discourse. They acknowledged the risks that come with public service, stating, “We must work together to return to a level of civility that allows us all to live peacefully.” Their plea for community unity and respect for differing viewpoints underscores a growing concern over the escalating violence against public figures and the broader implications for civil society.
As the community rallies around the Hoffmans during this challenging time, their call for a collective effort to foster a more respectful political environment resonates deeply, especially in the aftermath of such a tragic event. The Hoffmans concluded their statement by expressing hope and prayers for the future, not just for themselves but for the wellbeing of their children and the community at large.