‘Devastated and heartbroken’: Fundraisers launched for Hoffman, Hortman families

A Minnesota state lawmaker and his wife continue to recover after they were the targets of an attempted assassination early Saturday morning in Champlin.

On Monday, Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin, and his wife, Yvette, expressed gratitude to law enforcement who helped save their lives and eventually apprehended the suspect.

“First and foremost, John and I hold a deep and profound gratitude for the work of our law enforcement agencies and the public for their help in bringing the suspect to justice, while diligently keeping our communities safe during this extremely difficult and senseless event,” the couple said in a statement shared with Fox 9.

Just received this statement from John and Yvette Hoffman. pic.twitter.com/VjwDntpX5j

— Mary McGuire (@mcguirereports) June 16, 2025

“John and I are both incredibly lucky to be alive,” said Yvette. “We continue our healing journey and are humbled by the outpouring of love and support our family has received from across the state and the nation.”

The Hoffmans were severely injured early Saturday morning after a gunman went to their home disguised as a police officer and shot John and Yvette multiple times. Their daughter, Hope, called first responders who provided life-saving medical attention to the couple. The Hoffmans were eventually transported to a hospital and received surgery.

Law enforcement have since arrested the suspected assailant, Vance Luther Boelter, after the largest manhunt in Minnesota history.

Boelter is facing federal and state charges for the Hoffman shooting. The suspect has also been charged in the assassinations of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, and her husband, Mark. The Hortmans were killed early Saturday morning when Boelter allegedly burst into their home and gunned them down.

The assassination of the Hortmans occurred roughly 90 minutes after the Hoffmans were shot. According to authorities, Boelter went to the homes of other state lawmakers that same morning.

In their public statement, John and Yvette Hoffman condemned political violence and mourned the loss of the Hortmans.

“There is never a place for senseless political violence and loss of life,” the Hoffmans said. “We are devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark, and our hearts go out to all those who knew and loved them both. We are always at our best when we unite together.”

Fundraisers set up for the Hortmans and Hoffmans

Over the weekend, a GoFundMe campaign was set up to support the recovery of John and Yvette Hoffman. The fundraiser was organized by the Fernbrook Elementary Parent Teacher Organization. Yvette Hoffman is a paraprofessional who works at the school.

“Mrs. Hoffman and Senator Hoffman have given so much to our community and state,” says the fundraiser. “Now, it’s our turn to show them our unwavering support. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign widely. Let’s wrap our Flyer arms around them and help them navigate this incredibly difficult journey.”

At publication time, the GoFundMe for the Hoffmans had raised $165,000 of its $210,000 goal.

Another GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Colin and Sophie Hortman, the Hortmans’ two adult children. That fundraiser has been put together by Melissa Hortman’s brother, Patrick Haluptzok.

“I created this gofundme to raise funds to help Colin and Sophie repair the home, car and garage, help cover the costs of the funeral, and the associated costs of laying their parents to rest,” said Patrick. “I greatly miss my sister Melissa and brother-in-law Mark and want to help my niece and nephew through this difficult time and help cover the expenses this tragedy has incurred.”

At publication time, the GoFundMe for the Hortmans had raised $117,000 of its $140,000 goal.

“We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents, Melissa and Mark,” Sophie and Colin Hortman wrote in a joint statement to WCCO. “They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can’t believe they are gone. Their love for us was boundless. We miss them so much.”

Statement from Sophie and Colin Hortman, children of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark:

“The best way to honor our parents’ memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.” pic.twitter.com/XF4GGbdDOe

— Caroline Cummings (@CaroRCummings) June 17, 2025

“We want everyone to know that we are both safe and with loved ones. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received, and we appreciate your respect for our family’s privacy as we grieve.”

 

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