Who was Melissa Hortman? The Minnesota lawmaker killed by a fake cop
Melissa Hortman was killed in a targeted shooting on June 14, 2025. Here's everything you need to know about her life.
Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically murdered in a targeted attack by a criminal impersonating a police officer, on June 14, 2025. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the incident as an "act of targeted political violence," expressing grave concern over the increasing threat to public officials.
Tim Walz's statement on social media. Photo: @GovTimWalz/X
In his social media statement, Walz also extended his thoughts and prayers to Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were victims of a similar attack. He praised Hortman for her steadfast commitment to improving Minnesota and reaffirmed the need for justice.
Here is everything to know about the life of Melissa Hortman.
ALSO SEE: Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman and husband killed in political shooting; Sen. Hoffman injured
Who was Melissa Hortman?
Melissa Hortman, an American politician, was born on May 27, 1970, in Fridley, Minnesota. The longtime politician was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and represented District 34B in the northern Twin Cities metro area from 2019 to 2025.
Melissa Hortman was killed in a shooting in Minnesota. Photo: @melissahortman/ X
As a member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, better known as the DFL, she was the leader of the political party, according to the Minnesota Legislature Reference Library.
She graduated from Boston University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Philosophy, magna cum laude. In 1995, she graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School with a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude.
A shooting at the Hortman esidence
Currently, there is still a manhunt for the suspect, Vance Luther Boetler, a 57-year-old man from Minnesota. According to the authorities, inside his vehicle he had a list of 50 possible targets; including abortion rights activists.
Additionally, there were also fliers for the anti-Trump No Kings protests around the country. However, the Champlin Police, stated there was "no indication of an ongoing threat to the public".
