Senator John Hoffman Released from Hospital After Latest Surgery Following Politically Motivated June Shooting

COON RAPIDS, Minn. — Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman was discharged from the hospital on Friday, November 14, 2025, after undergoing a nine-hour surgery the preceding Monday to repair injuries sustained in the politically motivated attacks that rocked the state in June. The surgery addressed bullet damage to his kidney, bladder, and colon, and Hoffman's family says he is expected to make a full recovery.

The attacks on June 14 targeted Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) legislators in Minnesota, prompting Governor Tim Walz to condemn the events as an “act of targeted political violence.”

Details of the June 14 Attacks

Hoffman Residence — Champlin

Shortly before 2 a.m., assailant Vance Luther Boelter, 57, of Green Isle, arrived at the Champlin home of Senator Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman. Boelter, disguised as a police officer with uniform, body armor, and a silicone mask, approached the house in a vehicle designed to resemble a police car.

Federal charging documents state that Boelter knocked on the door, claiming to be a law enforcement officer and asking if the Hoffmans had weapons. Senator Hoffman recognized the deception and lunged at the shooter, resulting in him being shot nine times, including near his heart. Yvette Hoffman was also shot eight times.

Their adult daughter, Hope, present during the attack, was unharmed and secured the door and called 911, a critical action that alerted authorities to the unfolding politically motivated attack.

The Hoffmans were rushed to the hospital, completing surgery by 9:50 a.m. on June 14. Yvette Hoffman has continued recovering from her injuries, while Senator Hoffman was transferred to a rehabilitation facility in July 2025.

Hortman Residence — Brooklyn Park

After the attack at the Hoffmans’ home, Boelter traveled to the Brooklyn Park home of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, arriving around 3:30 a.m.

Police, responding to alerts from the Champlin incident, observed the assailant’s vehicle outside the Hortman residence. Boelter fired at both Mark Hortman and officers outside before entering the home, where he fatally shot Melissa Hortman as she attempted to flee. Mark Hortman also died from multiple gunshot wounds. The couple’s dog, Gilbert, was severely injured and later euthanized.

Accused and Charges

Boelter was captured on June 15, following a major manhunt. Investigators discovered extensive writings in his vehicle listing dozens of state and federal elected officials, mostly Democrats, as potential targets.

Boelter faces multiple federal and state charges, including:

• First-degree premeditated murder (for the Hortmans)
• Attempted first-degree murder (for the Hoffmans, their daughter Hope, and another lawmaker)
• Impersonating a police officer
• Felony cruelty to an animal

He has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges.

Recovery and Outlook

Senator Hoffman’s November surgery marks a significant milestone in his ongoing recovery from the June 14 shooting, demonstrating both the severity of his injuries and the resilience of his recovery. Hoffman's family has expressed gratitude for the medical care he received and for the support from constituents, colleagues, and the Minnesota community.

While the attack remains a stark reminder of the dangers public officials can face, Hoffman's discharge signals hope for a full recovery, allowing him to continue serving his constituents in District 34.

MinneapoliMedia