Hoffmans release update after assassination attempt: 'Incredibly lucky to be alive'

John Hoffman was shot nine times and his wife was shot eight times.

June 16, 2025, 2:57 PM

Two days after a man in a mask knocked on their door, identified himself as a police officer and opened fire on them, Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, are recovering and "both incredibly lucky to be alive," their family said.

"We continue our healing journey and are humbled by the outpouring of love and support our family has received from across the state and our nation," the family said in a statement obtained by ABC News.

Sen. John Hoffman listens to testimony during a meeting of the human services conference committee, May 2, 2024.
Michele Jokinen, Minnesota House Public Information Services

Early Saturday morning, the gunman knocked on the Hoffmans' door in Champlin, Minnesota, and identified himself as a police officer, according to court documents.

The suspect -- wearing a silicon mask -- shined a flashlight in the Hoffmans' faces, said there was a shooting reported in the house and asked if the couple had weapons, according to acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Joseph Thompson.

Vance Boelter wearing a latex mask when he knocked on the door immediately prior to his shooting of Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette in Champlin, Minnesota.
FBI

The Hoffmans shouted, "You're not a cop!" Thompson said. Then, the suspect announced "this is a robbery" and he forced his way into the home and shot them, Thompson said.

At 2:05 a.m., the Hoffmans' daughter called 911 to report their parents had been shot, officials said.

John Hoffman was shot nine times and Yvette was shot eight times, Yvette said, according to a message released by Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

PHOTO: Bullet holes mark the front door of Minnesota state  Senator John Hoffman, who was shot alongside his wife, Yvette, in Champlin, Minnesota, U.S., June 14, 2025.
Bullet holes mark the front door of Minnesota state Senator John Hoffman, who was shot alongside his wife, Yvette, in what is believed to be an attack by 57-year-old suspect Vance Luther Boelter, who is also the lead suspect in the shooting deaths of senior Democratic state assemblywoman Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in Champlin, Minnesota, U.S., June 14, 2025.
Tim Evans/Reuters

Vance Boelter, who was arrested early Monday, is accused of shooting and wounding the Hoffmans and then shooting and killing Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.

After the Hoffmans were shot, officers proactively went to Hortman's house in the nearby town of Brooklyn Park, authorities said.

Police tape blocks off the home of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman, Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Brooklyn Park, Minn.
George Walker Iv/AP

The responding officers saw Boelter's SUV in the Hortman's driveway with emergency lights flashing and Boelter standing in front of the house a few feet from the door, Thompson said.

When Boelter saw the officers, he allegedly started firing and rushed into the house, killing Hortman and her husband, Thompson 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," the Hoffmans said in their statement.

In this Jan. 3, 2023, file photo, Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman addresses the house floor after being re-elected for her third term during the first day of the 2023 legislative session, in St. Paul, Minn.
Abbie Parr/AP, FILE

"There is never a place for senseless political violence and loss of life," they said.

The Hoffmans also said they had "deep and profound" gratitude for the work of law enforcement officials who tracked down the suspect.

Boelter faces federal and state charges and is due in court on Monday.

Vance Boelter, 57, was arrested near his farm in Green Isle, Minnesota.
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office

Two other lawmakers were spared in the Saturday morning shootings, Thompson said. One was on vacation and not home when Boelter allegedly arrived, while a police officer responding to check on another lawmaker's home happened upon Boelter's vehicle and he drove off.

A motive is unclear, Thompson said.

ABC News' Darren Rynolds and Jessica Gorman contributed to this report.

Sponsored Content by Taboola