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What Happened to Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park? timeline of June 2025 attack on the lawn of her home by a disguised shooter |
🏛️ 1. Who Was Melissa Hortman?
Melissa Anne Hortman (née Haluptzok), born May 27, 1970, was a powerhouse in Minnesota politics:
- Served 11 terms since 2004
- Rose to House Speaker from 2019 to 2025
- Earned degrees from Boston University (BA), University of Minnesota Law (JD), and Harvard Kennedy School (MPA)
Hortman was well respected across party lines for her compassion, professionalism, and dedication to public service.

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Here’s a detailed breakdown of the early-morning attack:
2:00 a.m. – Champlin shooting
State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot at their Champlin home.
3:35 a.m. – Brooklyn Park shooting
Officers arrived at Hortman's home. A vehicle resembling a police SUV with emergency lights was parked in the driveway. The shooter, dressed as a police officer, opened fire on Melissa and Mark Hortman, then exchanged shots with officers and fled.
4:00–6:00 a.m. – Manhunt & shelter-in-place
order around Brooklyn Park while an intense manhunt ensued. The order was later lifted when threats subsided.
3. What Happened to Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park? The Victims
- Melissa Hortman, 55, was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene.
- Mark Hortman, 58, was critically injured and later passed away at North Memorial Health.
- Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were seriously wounded but survived after surgery.
4. Who Carried Out the Attack?
Authorities quickly named suspect Vance Luther Boelter, 57—a former security contractor and political appointee—who impersonated an officer, used a fake police vehicle, and carried a manifesto listing more lawmakers and abortion-rights advocates as targets.

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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and others have called the incident a "politically motivated assassination", marking a deeply disturbing escalation in political violence.
Key statistics from the attack:
- 2 fatalities (Hortman and her husband)
- 2 survivors (Sen. Hoffman and wife)
- 70 names on a target list, including lawmakers and activists
- $50,000 reward offered by the FBI
6. The Aftermath: Security & Political Fallout
- Widespread shelter-in-place orders and neighborhood lockdowns
- Cancelled protests across the state out of caution
- Additional security measures implemented for lawmakers

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A resounding outpouring of grief and unity followed:
- Gov. Walz: “Our state lost a great leader… this was an act of targeted political violence”
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar: Called the event “an attack on everything we stand for as a democracy”
- Leaders across the aisle, including former President Trump, condemned the violence and pledged accountability
- Tributes stream, thousands gathering in St. Paul to honor public servants

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Time | Event |
---|---|
2:00 a.m. | Champlin shooting (Hoffman home) |
3:35 a.m. | Fatal shooting at Hortman home (Brooklyn Park) |
4–6 a.m. | Shelter-in-place, manhunt begins |
Midday | Lockdown lifted; search continues |
Same day | Suspect identified; FBI offers $50K reward |
9. Broader Trends: Political Violence in America
- The incident follows a troubling rise in targeted violence against politicians since 2020
- More than 300 attacks on public officials reported since Jan 6, 2021
- Prompted urgent calls for better protective measures and public safety reforms
10. Public’s Role & What Comes Next
- FBI tipline: 1‑800‑225‑5324; $50K reward in effect
- Authorities ask any suspicious sightings be reported immediately
- Continued closures of "No Kings" protests due to safety concerns
- Long-term emphasis on bolstering security protocols for elected officials

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When asked, “What happened to Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park?”, the answer is a devastating example of targeted political violence. Her death, her husband’s, and the shooting of another lawmaker underscore a dangerous shift in threats against public officials.
This event highlights two urgent needs:
- Stronger protective measures for elected officials.
- A national dialogue to address and prevent politically motivated violence.
Minnesota has lost an influential leader who dedicated over two decades to public service. Understanding what happened to Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park is essential—not just in memoriam, but as a call to safeguard democracy.

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