State Sen. John Hoffman and his family released a statement Sunday saying that as they recover from their injuries, their thoughts are with the family of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, who authorities say were slain by the same man who shot Hoffman and his wife two weeks ago.
The Hortmans were shot and killed on June 14 at their home in Brooklyn Park in an attack believed to be politically motivated. The Hortmans were among four shot by a suspected assassin now facing federal and state murder charges. Vance Boelter, 57, is also accused of shooting Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, as their daughter Hope called 911. All three survived the attack at their Champlin home. Prosecutors allege Boelter also visited the homes of two other state lawmakers he had planned to shoot.
“We are devastated by the loss of Melissa, Mark, and their dog, Gilbert,” the statement read. “Their tragic passing has left a profound sadness for all who knew them and whose lives they touched. We all watched the service; it was heartbreakingly beautiful. Our hearts are with the Hortman family in this time of immense grief.”
The statement said that Hoffman, his wife Yvette and daughter Hope were continuing to heal but face a long road ahead.
“All three of us were lined up at gunpoint. We’re continuing to recover from physical injuries and emotional trauma from this senseless act of violence,” the statement read. “Hope’s bruises from the attack continue to heal. We’re so grateful she happened to be at our house that night. There’s no doubt her call to 911 saved the lives of others.”
The statement said the family is grateful for the care and support they have received and that they know “justice will be served for both of our families as the legal process gets underway.”
“Right now, our focus is on healing and honoring the lives that were taken. To all of you who went to the State Capitol to pay your respects to Melissa, Mark and Gilbert, we want you to know we were there with you in spirit.”
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