Leaders from across the state and nation mourned the death of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, who was assassinated early Saturday morning along with her husband.
Hortman, a Democratic state representative from Brooklyn Park, was first elected to the state House in 2004. She and her husband, Mark, had two children.
Police responded to the shooting at Hortman’s home around 3:30 a.m. Saturday. About an hour-and-a-half earlier, they responded to the shooting of Democratic Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home in Champlin. Hoffman and his wife are still alive.
Police are looking for 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter in connection to the shootings.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released a statement saying: “Today Minnesota lost a great leader, and I lost a friend. A formidable public servant and a fixture of the state Capitol, Melissa Hortman woke up every day determined to make our state a better place. She served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, and tirelessness. Minnesota’s thoughts are with her loved ones, and my prayers are with Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who were shot and wounded and are being treated.
We are not a country that settles our differences at gunpoint. We have demonstrated again and again in our state that it is possible to peacefully disagree, that our state is strengthened by civil public debate. We must stand united against all forms of violence—and I call on everyone to join me in that commitment.
To the responding officers, thank you for your bravery and your swift action. A state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigation is underway, and we will spare no resource in bringing those responsible to justice. We will not let fear win.”
The Minnesota House DFL Caucus, which Hortman led, released this statement: “We are shocked and devastated at the shootings of our colleagues, and at the assassination of our Speaker, Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. This is an unspeakable act of political violence that should never happen in the United States of America.
Melissa was an incredible leader who dedicated her life to public service. She led our caucus with integrity, grace, and with determination to improve people’s lives. We are holding in our hearts Melissa and Mark’s families, their friends, their legislative family, and all who knew and loved them.
Melissa talked a lot about following the Golden Rule, and the value that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’ She felt she had the ability and the obligation to serve others. And serve others she did. Minnesota is an immeasurably better state because Melissa Hortman chose to serve. Generations of Minnesotans will be better off thanks to her leadership. She was a dear friend to so many, and this caucus will miss her and Mark greatly.
We are also thinking about Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, and we hope for their speedy recovery. We are grateful to law enforcement and the first responders who responded to these horrific acts, and we thank them for the ongoing work to apprehend the suspect and keep Minnesota’s public servants safe.”
Republican Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth said: “I am devastated by the loss of Speaker-Emerita Melissa Hortman. She was respected by everyone at the Capitol as a formidable advocate for her values and her caucus. She battled fiercely, but never let it impact the personal bond that we developed serving as caucus leaders.
Few legislators have had as large an impact on the State of Minnesota, and she was a nationally-recognized leader in energy policy. She has had a profound impact on this institution and on my own leadership.
We worked together for the last several years to build a strong relationship based on our shared values and our commitment to making our state better. I am beyond heartbroken by her loss, and her family and friends will remain in my prayers.
My prayers are also with Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette as they recover from this horrific attack.
I condemn in the strongest possible way the violence that took Melissa and Mark from us, and I call on every Minnesotan to reject it. Political violence is abhorrent and unacceptable, and my prayers are with the men and women in law enforcement who are working to stop this evil and bring the perpetrator to justice.”
Minnesota’s congressional delegation said in a joint statement: “Today we speak with one voice to express our outrage, grief, and condemnation of this horrible attack on public servants. There is no place in our democracy for politically-motivated violence. We are praying for John and Yvette’s recovery and we grieve the loss of Melissa and Mark with their family, colleagues, and Minnesotans across the state. We are grateful for law enforcement’s swift response to the situation and continued efforts.”
— Rep. Harry Niska (@HarryNiska) June 15, 2025
President Donald Trump said: “I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”
Former President Joe Biden said: “This heinous attack motivated by politics should never happen in America. We must give hate and extremism no safe harbor and we must all unite against political violence as a nation. Jill and I are sending strength to everyone affected by this senseless tragedy during an unimaginable time.”
Democratic Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon released this statement: “This is the darkest of days for Minnesota, for the Hortman and Hoffman families, and for our democracy.
Melissa Hortman was my good friend. We went to law school together. We were elected the same year to the Minnesota House of Representatives, where we collaborated closely on many issues for many years. She and her husband Mark attended my wedding. I’m just numb about their deaths. I pray for their children, parents, and family. Their assassination is not just a personal loss, but a loss to Minnesota. Melissa Hortman was the best of us. She was one of the most extraordinary public servants I’ve ever known. She was smart, savvy, strategic, kind, funny, brave, and determined. There will never be another leader like her.
I pray also for Senator John and Yvette Hoffman, both of whom are friends. May they recover quickly and fully from their devastating injuries.
There’s another victim of today’s senseless shootings: Democracy itself. Political violence is unacceptable. To perpetrate it, encourage it, or pretend to ignore it will only poison our democracy. We cannot go on like this as a state or nation. We must re-commit to resolving our political differences peacefully, lawfully, and ultimately through the ballot box.”
Democratic Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said: “I am wrecked. I am devastated by the assassination of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the horrific attack on John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. This is an unspeakably tragic day for Minnesotans, especially the many of us fortunate enough to know them personally.
We are anxiously awaiting updates about the condition of the Hoffmans. John is one of Minnesota’s great champions for people in need. We are grateful to the law enforcement officers, and the doctors and nurses, who saved and are caring for them. Our prayers are with the Hoffmans and their loved ones.
Melissa Hortman was a giant and a fierce leader. She made Minnesota a better place to live. Her commitment has saved and improved lives. I will miss her, her mirthful eyes, her sharp humor and her partnership. My heart breaks for her House colleagues and staff. My heart breaks for all of us.”
Republican Minnesota Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson commented: “My heart is broken over the events that unfolded overnight and the loss of life, security, and peace that we are all feeling right now. The families of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman are in my prayers. Senate Republicans are unified in our condemnation of this brazen act of violence. We thank law enforcement and Capitol Security for their coordinated effort responding to the threat and delivering justice.”
Former Republican Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt said: “I’m still in shock at the senseless and tragic murders of Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Melissa had a rare gift — the ability to see the big picture of public service while never losing sight of the small things that made people feel seen and valued. She was strong, smart, and deeply committed to Minnesota, the House, and her colleagues.
Melissa’s dedication and the example she set in how she led — with conviction, grace, and compassion — will leave a lasting impact on all of us who worked with her.
Rest in peace, Madam Speaker.”
Archbishop Bernard Hebda said: “I ask all people of goodwill to join me in prayer for the repose of the souls of Minnesota House Speaker-Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, along with prayers of recovery for Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
I also ask you to pray for the members of law enforcement who are putting themselves at risk hunting down the person, or people, who inflicted this violence and terrorized communities. There is absolutely no reason for someone to commit such senseless violence on anyone, particularly those who are involved in public service.
The Catholic bishops of Minnesota and I met annually with Speaker-Emerita Hortman and I knew her to be an honorable public servant. Although we disagreed on some issues, we worked collaboratively to find common ground on others in pursuit of the common good.
Senator Hoffman is always generous with his time, as well, meeting with the bishops whenever they are at the Capitol. He is a strong advocate for the most vulnerable, and Minnesota continues to need his leadership.
It is wrong for our elected representatives to have to live in fear of violence and we must do everything in our power to regain a sense of civility in our discourse, especially when we disagree. We cannot maintain our representative republic if our lawmakers fear violence for themselves and their family members.
At this time of fear and uncertainty, we need to rely even more on our loving God and that begins with prayer — both privately and communally.
May the Prince of Peace lead us away from such senseless violence.”
Bishop Robert Barron wrote: “A terrible tragedy occurred in my home state of Minnesota early this morning. A gunman, disguised as a police officer, shot and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife and subsequently shot and killed State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband.
A few months ago, the bishops of Minnesota visited the State Capitol in order to speak to some of the political leadership of our state. Both Sen. Hoffman and Rep. Hortman were among those we visited with. I was deeply impressed by both. Rep. Hortman listened to us with sharp intelligence and acute attention. And I had a wonderful conversation with Sen. Hoffman, who was a graduate of St. Mary’s University in my diocese. He shared his passion for Catholic Social Teaching.
God knows we are a divided society, but our political differences must never, ever give rise to violence. Please pray for the swift recovery of Sen. Hoffman and his wife and for the repose of the souls of Rep. Hortman and her husband.”
Former Vice President Al Gore said: “Outraged. Horrified. Shocked. Appalled. Heartbroken.
It’s hard to find just one word to express my feelings about the assassination of MN Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. One of the first roles Melissa ever took in politics was working for me in the U.S. Senate. Though she was only there for a short time, she had a lasting impact on our team. I can tell that the same is true of the many others who worked with her throughout her impactful career as a public servant and leading climate advocate.”
Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said: “Such horrific political violence has no place in our society, and every leader must unequivocally condemn it.
Our prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families as well as the people of Minnesota during this tragic time.”
Republican U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said: “Horrified at the events unfolding in Minnesota. Kimberley and I are praying for the loved ones of the state lawmaker and her husband who were assassinated and the state senator and his wife who were also injured in this assassination attempt.
Political violence has no place in our nation.”
Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association Executive Director Brian Peters said: “The targeted attack that took the lives of Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and critically injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, is a devastating and senseless act of violence. We extend our deepest condolences to the Hortman family and our prayers for the Hoffmans as they fight to recover.
It’s infuriating that the suspect posed as a police officer. This kind of impersonation is dangerous, deceptive, and a disgrace.
Thank you to the many officers who are working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect and keep our communities safe.”
The post ‘Unspeakably tragic day’: Officials across state and nation react to Minnesota House leader’s assassination appeared first on Alpha News MN.
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Author: Anthony Gockowski
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