Klobuchar Mourns Slain Minnesota Lawmaker
- amy Klobuchar,D-Minn., expressed grief over the shooting of two Minnesota state lawmakers early Saturday, labeling the attacks "an act of targeted political violence." Klobuchar described the victims, state...
- Speaking on ABC News' "This Week," Klobuchar emphasized the human cost of political violence and threats.Hortman was killed in the attack, while hoffman and his wife underwent surgery.
- Klobuchar also spoke of Hoffman, saying he was "equally respected" and motivated to enter politics by his daughter's struggle to obtain insurance due to spina bifida.
In the wake of a tragic event, Senator Amy Klobuchar mourns the death of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and condemns the targeted shooting as an act of political violence. Klobuchar, speaking on the recent attacks, calls for an end to the rising trend of politically motivated violence that has left the community reeling. The senator also highlights the deep sadness in Minnesota over the death of Rep. Hortman and the critical condition of Sen. John Hoffman. authorities are tirelessly searching for Vance Luther Boelter, the suspected gunman. Read the full story and discover what News directory 3 is reporting on the examination.
Klobuchar Mourns Slain Minnesota Lawmaker,Calls for End to Political Violence
Updated June 16,2025
Sen. amy Klobuchar,D-Minn., expressed grief over the shooting of two Minnesota state lawmakers early Saturday, labeling the attacks “an act of targeted political violence.” Klobuchar described the victims, state Rep. Melissa Hortman and state Sen. john Hoffman, as ”friends” and “decent people” dedicated to representing their constituents.
Speaking on ABC News’ “This Week,” Klobuchar emphasized the human cost of political violence and threats.Hortman was killed in the attack, while hoffman and his wife underwent surgery. “she was a true leader,” Klobuchar said of Hortman, “always so grounded and such a decent person.”
Klobuchar also spoke of Hoffman, saying he was “equally respected” and motivated to enter politics by his daughter’s struggle to obtain insurance due to spina bifida. “Decent people who didn’t deserve this to happen to them,” she stated.
Authorities have identified vance Luther Boelter, 57, as the suspected gunman and are actively searching for him.
Klobuchar lauded Hortman’s ability to balance her public service with family life, noting her involvement in teaching Sunday school, leading a Girl Scout troop, and training service dogs for veterans. She highlighted Hortman’s effectiveness in navigating a divided legislature, citing her role in negotiating a budget and averting a government shutdown.
As Speaker of the House, Hortman championed landmark legislation such as paid family leave and free lunch for students, Klobuchar noted.
Klobuchar described the suspect as “evil” and “smart,” emphasizing the $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
The senator praised the cooperation between Minnesota leaders and law enforcement, highlighting the swift response of local police officers who checked on Hortman after responding to the attack on Hoffman’s home. “Those local police officers at that moment not only appear to have saved [Hoffman] and his wife’s life, but also had given us major leads to who he was and why he was doing this,” klobuchar said.
klobuchar stated she had not seen the target list allegedly written by the gunman, which law enforcement sources say included dozens of Minnesota Democrats, including gov. Tim Walz, U.S. Rep. Ilhan omar, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith,and state Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Klobuchar characterized political violence as a “rampant problem” and suggested it may have motivated the shootings.She also emphasized the bipartisan condemnation of political violence issued by the Minnesota congressional delegation.
“You speak with one voice to condemn this political violence,” Klobuchar said. “There’s no place for this politically motivated violence in our democracy.”
What’s next
The search for Vance Luther Boelter continues as law enforcement investigates the full scope of his alleged target list and motivations. The Minnesota legislature is expected to address the issue of political violence in upcoming sessions.