Minnesota State Senator and Wife Survive Targeted Shooting in Political Attack

Senator John Hoffman and wife Yvette critically wounded after assailant posing as police officer opens fire at their home

Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, have publicly shared harrowing details of a violent attack at their Champlin home nearly a week ago that left both seriously injured.

In a joint statement obtained by CNN affiliate KARE on Thursday night, the couple described how a man wearing a silicone mask and falsely identifying himself as a police officer knocked on their door around 2 a.m. The incident occurred after the Hoffmans returned from a Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party dinner the previous night.

When the door was opened, Senator Hoffman, his wife, and their adult daughter Hope were in the entryway. The attacker immediately pointed a gun at the senator. John Hoffman lunged at the assailant but was shot nine times. His wife Yvette attempted to push the man away and close the door but was also shot eight times.

Hope quickly shut and locked the door before calling 911 to report the shooting. Her call alerted authorities to a potentially politically motivated attack.

The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, is accused of visiting multiple Minnesota lawmakers’ homes in a deadly spree that also resulted in the fatal shooting of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman.

Both John and Yvette Hoffman underwent surgery. John Hoffman remains in critical but stable condition, while Yvette is in stable condition and expected to be released soon, according to officials.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed hope for Yvette’s recovery and praised law enforcement’s swift response to the attack.

The Hoffmans expressed gratitude for first responders and law enforcement who apprehended Boelter after the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history, lasting 43 hours. Boelter faces multiple federal and state charges.

The couple also mourned the deaths of the Hortmans, noting their daughter Hope went to school with Sophie Hortman, and stressed the importance of community support during this difficult time.

A GoFundMe has been established by Fernbrook Elementary School to assist the Hoffman family in recovering from the traumatic incident.

Acknowledging the risks of public service in today’s polarized climate, the Hoffmans called for unity and civility. They emphasized that peaceful coexistence is essential for the future of all children and expressed hope for collective efforts to restore respectful discourse in society.