In an emotional statement, Yvette Hoffman reflects on survival and the tragedy that struck their community, as police escalate efforts to capture the suspect.
Survivors Speak After Minnesota Shooting Rampage Claims Lives of Lawmakers
Survivors Speak After Minnesota Shooting Rampage Claims Lives of Lawmakers
Survivors of the Minnesota assassination attempt reveal harrowing details as law enforcement hunts for the suspect.
A survivor of a shooting rampage targeting Minnesota lawmakers expressed gratitude for her and her husband’s survival after being shot 17 times. Yvette Hoffman and her husband, State Senator John Hoffman, were attacked at their home in Champlin early Saturday, while Melissa Hortman, the House Speaker, and her husband, Mark, were tragically killed in a neighboring community. The incident has shocked the local population and raised concerns over political violence.
Yvette Hoffman reported that both she and her husband endured multiple gunshot wounds, stating: "John took 9 bullet hits. I took 8 and we are both incredibly lucky to be alive." The couple's daughter, with spina bifida, was shielded during the attack when Yvette reportedly threw herself over the child.
The assailant, identified as Vance Luther Boelter, a 57-year-old with a background in security, posed as a police officer, reportedly wearing a latex mask while executing the attacks. Authorities are actively searching for Boelter, who remains at large despite a $50,000 reward offered by the FBI. Evidence suggests the attacks may have been politically motivated, as a target list containing names of Democratic politicians was found by investigators, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.
Lawmakers and community members mourn the loss of the Hortmans, describing them as good neighbors in a quiet suburban area of Minneapolis. The shocking nature of the crime, described as politically driven, has sparked a conversation about the increasing prevalence of political hate in the U.S., igniting fears within the community and among state officials.
As police continue their investigation, they have expanded searches beyond Minnesota’s borders, with local residents expressing their unease and disbelief at the violence that has not only taken lives but disrupted the safety of their neighborhoods. "What a big loss for Minnesota," lamented a resident, reflecting the broader sentiment of shock and grief that has swept through the state following this tragic event.
