Political Hate Hits Home: The Courageous Survival of John and Yvette Hoffman

In a chilling turn of events that shook Minnesota and beyond, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman were the targets of a politically motivated assassination attempt at their home in Champlin on the night of June 14, 2025. What was supposed to be a quiet night turned into a terrifying ordeal—and ultimately, a powerful story of survival, love, and unimaginable courage.

The Night Everything Changed

Around 2 a.m., a man impersonating a police officer knocked on the Hoffmans’ door. That man was later identified as Vance Luther Boelter, a 57-year-old with a disturbing political agenda. Without warning, he opened fire on the couple in their own home.

Senator John Hoffman was shot nine times. His wife Yvette was shot eight times. But in the middle of the chaos, Yvette made a life-saving decision—she threw herself over their daughter Hope, shielding her with her body. That act of love and instinct likely saved her daughter’s life.

A Story of Survival and Strength

Both John and Yvette were rushed into emergency surgery. Family members say one of the bullets came dangerously close to John’s heart. Thankfully, doctors were able to stabilize them both.

In a message shared through Senator Amy Klobuchar, Yvette wrote:

“We are both incredibly lucky to be alive. We are gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark. There is never a place for this kind of political hate.”

Yvette was referring to the tragic murders of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, who were also targeted and killed by Boelter that same night.

Why This Matters

This was not a random act of violence—it was deliberate, targeted, and politically motivated. It wasn’t just an attack on two families; it was an attack on public service, civil leadership, and the very idea of democratic discourse.

John Hoffman has served Minnesota with dedication and integrity. His wife Yvette, while not an elected official, showed a level of bravery and sacrifice that few of us can even imagine. These are people who deserve to feel safe in their own home.

The larger question this raises is painful but necessary: How did our political climate become so toxic that elected officials and their families are being hunted down in the middle of the night?

The Response from Minnesota and Beyond

Support for the Hoffmans has poured in from across the state. Vigils have been held at the Capitol. Prayers, letters, and donations have flooded in. A GoFundMe has been created to help with their medical and recovery expenses. Their nephew Mat Ollig spoke out, describing them as "the kindest, most giving and caring people I know."

Law enforcement acted quickly to apprehend Boelter. He is now in custody, facing charges for attempted murder, impersonating law enforcement, and the murders of Melissa and Mark Hortman.

Moving Forward

While John and Yvette Hoffman recover physically, they—and Minnesota—will need time to heal emotionally. What happened was a tragedy, but it was also a wake-up call. Public service should never come with a death threat. Political discourse should never end in bloodshed.

Yvette Hoffman’s bravery and the survival of their family should be remembered not just as a moment of tragedy, but as a moment of profound resilience. This is a story that needs to be told, not just in headlines, but in history books—as a reminder of what’s at stake when we allow hate to grow unchecked.

And as a testament to love, courage, and the will to survive.