Know all details about the assassination of Melissa Hortman along with details about her family and religion
A major manhunt is underway in Minnesota following a shocking and targeted attack on two state lawmakers in their homes. Authorities have identified 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter as the suspect behind the violent incidents that have left one lawmaker and her husband dead and another critically injured alongside his wife. The first victim, Representative Melissa Hortman, who had a long and influential political career, was killed in what police described as a “targeted act.”
Who is Melissa Hortman, killed by Vance Luther Boelter, bio, age, family, husband, children, education and religion
Born on May 27, 1970, in Fridley, Minnesota, Melissa was raised in Anoka County and graduated from Blaine High School in 1988 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy, magna cum laude, from Boston University in 1991 and later completed her Juris Doctor, cum laude, at the University of Minnesota Law School in 1995.
She then earned a Master’s degree from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2018. She and Mark had two children, Colin and Sophie. Democratic State Rep. Melissa Hortman was a Christian by religion who once taught Sunday school at St. Timothy in Blaine, Minnesota, and was a speaker of the Minnesota House.
🚨 HOLY CRAP! Rep. Melissa Hortman sounded absolutely TERRIFIED while speaking to the media after she voted NO on healthcare for illegals
She was just ass*ssinated this morning.
She knew she’d end up as a target in one form or another.
pic.twitter.com/ynud2YgRND— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 14, 2025
Melissa Hortman, 55, a veteran Democratic lawmaker, and her husband tragically lost their lives in a targeted attack at their home in Brooklyn Park, a suburb just outside Minneapolis. Law enforcement officials have launched an intensive manhunt for the suspect, identified as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, who is believed to have posed as a police officer to carry out the attacks. A $50,000 reward has been announced for any information that leads to his capture.
Hortman, first elected in 2004, served as the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2019 to 2025 and had been a prominent Democratic leader in the state. Her husband was also found dead at the scene. In a separate but related attack, Senator John Hoffman and his wife were both critically injured. Hoffman has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2013 and was previously a member of the Anoka-Hennepin School Board.
Today began with the cold-blooded assassination of Minnesota Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in their home by a coward dressed up as a police officer leaving two children without either parent. Another couple, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, are… pic.twitter.com/PiPlxMpWUj
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) June 14, 2025
Authorities have not released further details regarding the motive behind the assaults, but investigators confirmed both incidents were premeditated. Boelter is currently at large, and law enforcement agencies across the region are coordinating efforts to locate him. Law enforcement has urged Minnesota residents, especially those in the Twin Cities area, to remain indoors and not to open their doors to individuals claiming to be officers unless properly identified.
Following this, the public has been asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. This tragic development has sent shockwaves across the political community and raised concerns about the safety of public officials. The investigation remains active, with more updates expected in the coming hours.
Democratic Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband have been killed at their home in what appears to be a “politically motivated assassination,” Gov. Tim Walz says.
Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot in their own home but remain in the hospital. pic.twitter.com/yT3dTo1U0L
— Pop Base (@PopBase) June 14, 2025
know all details about Melissa:
- Born: 27 May 1970, Fridley, Minnesota, United States
- Spouse: Mark Hortman
- Political Party: Democratic Party
- Previous Offices: Minnesota State Representative (2023–2025)
- Assassinated: 14 June 2025, Minnesota, United States