American lawyer and politician (1970–2025)
Candidates prioritize safety in first campaign since lawmaker shootings: Candidates say they’re limiting solo campaign activities and bringing on security teams ...
mprnews.org/story/2026/10/30/candidates-prioritize-safety-after-minn-lawmaker-shootings
Walz said he considered leaving public office after Hortman assassination: The governor told the New York Times about threats against his family and concerns for ...
startribune.com/walz-said-he-considered-leaving-public-office-after-hortman-assassination/601899989
Vance Boelter’s defense team pressed forward with a legal argument Friday that he was justified in taking the lives of state Rep ... Show more
Vance Boelter sentencing: Man gets two life sentences for killing Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and husband
nbcnews.com/news/us-news/vance-boelter-sentencing-man-killed-minnesota-democratic-lawmaker-face-rcna588852
Key FactsLife Sentence for Killer of Minnesota Legislator
Jul 23, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theglobeandmail.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theglobeandmail.com
- Vance Boelter was sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years after pleading guilty to killing former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband.
- Boelter stalked his targets for months and attacked their homes disguised as a police officer on June 14, 2025, critically wounding two others.
- Survivors and family members described ongoing physical injuries and psychological trauma resulting from the violent home invasion.
- Relatives honored Melissa and Mark Hortman’s positive impact and expressed anger about the justice system and the costs of Boelter’s incarceration.
The defendant looked me in the eyes and pulled the trigger. The defendant looked at my wife and chose to do the same. My wife and I now live with injuries. We live with our bodies remembering the gunfire.— State Sen. John Hoffman, describing the violence of the night and its impact on him and his wife
Man who killed Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband appears in state court
apnews.com/article/hortman-hoffman-minnesota-lawmakers-boelter-court-a72095a6938d87ff3d5a0a2e85c09c4c
Minnesota: Man who shot and killed Democrat sentenced to life: In Minnesota, a man shot and killed a high-ranking politician and her husband ...
stern.de/politik/ausland/minnesota--mann--der-demokratin-erschoss--muss-lebenslang-in-haft-38003778.html
people.com Jul 24
🔗: www.people.com/slug-12025281?af_force_deeplink=true&shortlink=5nmd0zdu&af_dp=peopleapp%3A%2F%2F&deep_link_value=article%2F12025281&af_sub2=article&af_sub3=crime John Hoffman, the Minnesota State Senator who was seriously wounded in an attack that killed former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband ... Show more
www.people.com/slug-12025281?deep_link_value=article%2F12025281&shortlink=5nmd0zdu&af_sub3=crime&af_sub4=FB_Crime
www.people.com/slug-12025281?deep_link_value=article%2F12025281&shortlink=5nmd0zdu&af_sub3=crime&af_sub4=FB_Crime
Man pleads guilty to assassinating Melissa Hortman and her husband: Vance Boelter changed his plea after prosecutors said they would not seek the death penalty.
bostonglobe.com/2026/06/11/nation/minnesota-killings-plea-change/
Key FactsGuilty Plea in Deadly Minnesota Political Attack
Jun 11, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pbs.org
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pbs.org
- Vance Boelter admitted to killing state House leader Melissa Hortman and her husband while impersonating a police officer.
- The attacks triggered Minnesota's largest manhunt and raised national fears about escalating political violence.
- Boelter agreed to two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years in federal court to avoid the death penalty.
- State charges against him include murder, attempted murder, impersonating an officer, and animal cruelty.
Political violence is a scourge in our nation. To all of those who would commit political violence: this Justice Department will seek and obtain the longest prison terms for your offense.— U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen, in a statement Thursday
A year later, lies about Melissa Hortman’s murder continue to spread: Friends and family of former Speaker Melissa Hortman say they are caught in a dilemma: to ...
startribune.com/melissa-mark-hortman-murder-conspiracy-theories-lies-social-media-catch-22-respond-ignore/601855241
Man charged with threatening now-Mayor Kaohly Her on the day of Hortmans’ killings
startribune.com/kaohly-her-threats-man-charged/601858490
Paid articlePaywall Litter of puppies to be trained in honor of Hortmans’ dog Gilbert: Helping Paws is training a litter of puppies this summer in honor of the only animal to ever ...
startribune.com/litter-of-puppies-to-be-trained-in-honor-of-hortmans-dog-gilbert/601857151
OpinionWashington: The most fitting Melissa Hortman memorial still awaits her name: From JFK to Walter Mondale, public memorials really can help keep us from forgetting ...
startribune.com/mn-state-office-reopening-2027-hortman-anniversary/601856017
Feds won't seek death penalty in plea deal with man accused of killing Minnesota lawmaker
pbs.org/newshour/nation/feds-wont-seek-death-penalty-in-plea-deal-with-man-accused-of-killing-minnesota-lawmaker
Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Jeff Day joins Essential Minnesota host Melissa Townsend to reconstruct the 43 hours Vance Boelter spent on the run ... Show more
Nearly one year after carrying out one of the most shocking acts of political violence in state history, Vance Boelter pleaded guilty on Thursday to killing ... Show more
Justice Department won’t pursue death penalty against Vance Boelter in attacks on lawmakers
startribune.com/justice-department-declines-to-pursue-death-penalty-against-vance-boelter-in-attacks-on-lawmakers/601854749
OPINION: Months later, it’s still hard to stomach the grief of that June morning last year: A gunman targeted multiple Minnesota lawmakers in their homes in ... Show more
After the killings of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, Minnesota Star Tribune reporters began digging into a troubling question: How serious are the ... Show more
Essential Minnesota Podcast: In this episode of a MN news podcast, a Star Tribune investigation reveals what was uncovered about threats against elected ...
startribune.com/essential-minnesota/601583462
Newly released police records show delay after Hortman shooting, early ID of Boelter as suspect
startribune.com/newly-released-records-detail-police-response-to-lawmaker-attacks/601783138
Gov. Tim Walz signs bill honoring late Minnesota House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman
startribune.com/gov-tim-walz-signs-bill-honoring-late-minnesota-house-dfl-leader-melissa-hortman/601667826
Sophie and Colin Hortman reflect on grief, legacy as state looks to memorialize their parents
startribune.com/sophie-and-colin-hortman-reflect-on-grief-legacy-as-lawmakers-push-to-memorialize-their-parents/601661833
5 takeaways from our investigation into rising threats to Minnesota’s elected officials
startribune.com/5-takeaways-from-our-investigation-into-the-threats-to-minnesotas-officials/601630532
Sen. John Hoffman walked into the Senate chamber to thunderous applause that lasted for a full minute on Tuesday. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette ... Show more
MAGA Senator Frantically Deletes Wild Post After Blowback: The MAGA senator’s failed gotcha got shut down in spectacular fashion.
thedailybeast.com/maga-senator-mike-lee-frantically-deletes-wild-post-after-blowback/
Minnesota lawmakers want increased protections for themselves after Hortman assassination
startribune.com/minnesota-lawmakers-want-to-up-protections-for-themselves-after-hortman-assassination/601585106
Nick Shirley, Colin Hortman among guests of Minnesota politicians at State of the Union
startribune.com/from-nick-shirley-to-colin-hortman-what-minnesota-sotu-guests-say-about-the-politics-of-the-moment/601587245
Cheers & Jeers: As leaders return to the Capitol, Melissa Hortman’s legacy endures
startribune.com/mn-melissa-hortman-quinn-hughes-social-services-fraud/601583256
After his parents’ killing, Colin Hortman is working through grief, searching for ways to honor them
mprnews.org/story/2026/02/17/melissa-hortmans-son-works-through-grief-as-he-searches-for-ways-to-honor-slain-parents
Judge rules no death penalty for Luigi Mangione; decision could have implications for Vance Boelter in Hortman killings
startribune.com/judge-rules-no-death-penalty-for-luigi-mangione-decision-could-have-implications-for-vance-boelter-in-hortman-killings/601574129
OpinionTrump’s response to Ilhan Omar attack betrays his growing callousness: President Donald Trump has frequently responded to tragedy, death and political violence ...
cnn.com/2026/01/28/politics/response-donald-trump-ilhan-omar-attack
Walz signs executive order to add weapons screening at Minnesota Capitol: The move comes several months after former House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and her ...
startribune.com/minnesota-capitol-security-weapons-screening/601571247
Dem Governors Rally Behind Walz and Slam Trump For ‘Hateful Lies’ Suggesting Minnesota Gov Ord ...
mediaite.com/media/news/dem-governors-rally-behind-walz-and-slam-trump-for-hateful-lies-suggesting-minnesota-gov-ordered-political-hit/
Key FactsTim Walz Withdraws From 2026 Governor Race
Jan 5, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cbsnews.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cbsnews.com
- Tim Walz announced he is ending his 2026 gubernatorial reelection bid.
- He cited the need to focus on combating widespread Medicaid fraud in the state.
- The fraud has reportedly cost Minnesota up to nine billion dollars, according to prosecutors.
- Walz condemned President Trump’s personal attacks and pledged continued dedication to Minnesota.
Most of all, I want Minnesotans to know that I'm on the job, 24/7, focused on making sure we stay America's best place to live and raise kids.— Gov. Tim Walz expressing his commitment to Minnesota as he drops out of the gubernatorial race.
Slain Minnesota lawmaker's children call on Trump to remove social media video amplifying false claims about her death
nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/slain-minnesota-lawmakers-children-call-trump-remove-social-media-vide-rcna252231
Key FactsTrump Spreads False Claims on Hortman Murder
Jan 5, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: axios.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: axios.com
- Governor Walz condemned the president’s post as reckless and warned it could cause more innocent deaths.
- The suspect, Boelter, targeted Democrats and abortion supporters on a documented hit list.
- Several GOP members publicly rejected the false narratives and urged for calmer political discourse.
- Hortman’s children requested that Trump retract the misleading posts to ease their family’s grief.
Words matter. Sharing fake news is dangerous.— Colin Hortman speaks about the dangers of misinformation and its impact on his family's grief.
Sacramento Snapshot: Named after Melissa Hortman and Charlie Kirk, new California bill aims to curb political violence
ocregister.com/2026/01/12/sacramento-snapshot-named-after-melissa-hortman-and-charlie-kirk-new-california-bill-aims-to-curb-political-violence/
Shot nine times, Sen. John Hoffman is resolute in continuing political life: Hoffman was shot nine times in the doorway of his home in the same spate of violence ...
startribune.com/shot-nine-times-sen-john-hoffman-is-resolute-in-continuing-political-life/601564741
Walz says he won’t resign amid scandal, slams Trump: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) vowed “over my dead body” that he would resign from his position as the North ...
thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5675265-minnesota-gov-walz-resists-resignation/
Behind Tim Walz’s decision to drop out of the governor’s race: Walz reversed course on his re-election amid a barrage of unfavorable headlines ...
startribune.com/behind-tim-walzs-decision-to-drop-out-of-the-governors-race/601559952
The city of Minneapolis has been rocked by tragedy after tragedy for the last decade - from the murders of George Floyd and Philando Castile to the ... Show more
As rumors swirl after political killings, this GOP lawmaker draws a line: Minnesota state senator Julia Coleman knew both Charlie Kirk and Minnesota House ...
washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/12/30/political-killing-conspiracy-kirk-minnesota/
GOP lawmaker begs MAGA to stop spreading conspiracies connecting Democrat’s murder to Minnesota fraud case
independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/melissa-hortman-julia-coleman-minnesota-fraud-conspiracy-b2891631.html
Melissa Hortman Died in a Shocking Act of Political Violence. This Is the Story of Her Life
rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/melissa-hortman-minnesota-speaker-political-violence-1235486292/
Brandon Lake interview: CMAs, Grammys, crossover hits and more: Christian music is gaining in popularity, and Brandon Lake is one reason why ...
apnews.com/article/brandon-lake-christian-grammys-cmas-charlie-kirk-85651b4d0f140415fc99d47f3b2e2ace
Cities launch independent probe of police response to lawmaker shootings: Brooklyn Park and Champlin approved an agreement on Monday for an independent review ...
startribune.com/officials-consider-429500-independent-probe-of-law-enforcement-response-to-political-shootings/601522474
Sibley County judge grants divorce to Jenny and Vance Boelter: Jenny Boelter said her family received threats after the June shooting deaths of Melissa and Mark ...
startribune.com/sibley-county-judge-grants-divorce-to-jenny-and-vance-boelter/601517260
Brooklyn Park Police Department clears officers who responded to Hortman slaying: In a preliminary review, the department said officer's exchange of gunfire ...
startribune.com/brooklyn-park-police-department-clears-officers-who-responded-to-hortman-slaying/601516354
First Thing: Trump says rare earths deal and tariff cut agreed with China: Overall US tariffs on Chinese goods will be lowered to 47% after talks ...
theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/30/first-thing-donald-trump-rare-earths-deal-tariff-cut-agreed-with-china
At Harvard University, Pete Hegseth backed 'equality, diversity' : Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth once described closing minority achievement gaps as a ...
bostonglobe.com/2025/10/07/metro/hegseth-diversity-harvard/
Newsday Oct 12 25
Can Southampton Town usher in a new era of political civility? Its leaders think so.
newsday.com/long-island/towns/southampton-civility-kirk-hortman-g05c7085
Trump's Response To Charlie Kirk Vs. Melissa Hortman: "This is a good time to remind ourselves of the two Democratic Minnesota lawmakers who were shot just a few ...
buzzfeed.com/morgansloss1/trump-response-charlie-kirk-melissa-hortman-assassinations
Key FactsTrump’s responses to Kirk and Hortman differed
Sep 11, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: buzzfeed.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: buzzfeed.com
- Soon after news of the shooting of Kirk broke, Trump asked for prayers on Truth Social; about 90 minutes later, he confirmed Kirk’s death.
- On Thursday morning, Trump announced he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
- In June, Democratic Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed at home by a gunman disguised as a police officer.
- On Truth Social, Trump condemned the violence, ordered no flags at half-staff, and declined to call Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
“This is what happens when Marxists don’t get their way.”— Senator Mike Lee wrote this online after Democratic Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were assassinated.
OpinionUtah, Mass. First Spouses: Americans Reject Political Violence | Opinion: Like the law enforcement officers who tracked down the killers of Charlie Kirk and ...
newsweek.com/utah-mass-first-spouses-americans-reject-political-violence-opinion-10847076
Trump Faces Backlash For Reply To Lowering Flags For Melissa Hortman: "I'm not familiar. The…who?"
buzzfeed.com/alanavalko/trump-response-flag-half-staff-melissa-hortman
Key FactsTrump Sparks Outrage Over Flag-Lowering Response
Sep 16, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: newsweek.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: newsweek.com
- President Trump expressed unfamiliarity when asked why flags were not lowered after Minnesota Democrat Melissa Hortman's assassination in June.
- He stated flags would be lowered only upon request from Minnesota's governor, whom he did not name directly.
- His remarks caused widespread anger on social media, with critics accusing him of inconsistent responses to political violence.
- The suspect in the September shooting of conservative Charlie Kirk is scheduled to appear in court as investigations proceed.
Well, if the governor had asked me to do that, I would have done that.— Donald Trump, responding to a question about lowering flags for Melissa Hortman after her assassination.
‘Did You Know Her Name?!’ Greg Gutfeld LOSES IT on Co-Host for ‘Bulls–t’ Com ...: Greg Gutfeld went nuclear on co-host Jessica Tarlov after she cited the ...
mediaite.com/media/tv/did-you-know-her-name-greg-gutfeld-loses-it-on-co-host-for-bulls-t-comparison-of-kirk-assassination-democratic-lawmakers/
Democrat Xp Lee wins special election to fill seat of slain Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman
cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-special-election-house-district-34b-melissa-hortman-seat/
Obama says America is at "inflection point" after killings of Charlie Kirk, Melissa Hortman
cbsnews.com/news/obama-america-inflection-point-deaths-charlie-kirk-melissa-hortman/
Joe Scarborough Graphically Details Murder of Democratic Lawmakers as He Slams Claims That Political Viole ...
mediaite.com/media/tv/joe-scarborough-graphically-details-murder-of-democratic-lawmakers-as-he-slams-claims-that-political-violence-is-one-sided-issue/
Everyone Is Talking About The Double Standard Between How Trump Responded When Charlie Kirk Was Assassinated Vs. When A Minnesota Lawmaker Was Assassinated
huffpost.com/entry/trump-responded-charlie-kirk_n_68c45f2ae4b0b50574086e00
President Trump decried the “radical left” for “causing tremendous violence.” However, he required a quick refresher when asked about the assassination of ... Show more
Main Sep 11 25
attack on two lawmakers and their spouses on June 14, 2025
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_shootings_of_Minnesota_legislators
‘The Who?’ Trump Needs Quick Refresher on Democratic Lawmaker Shot and Killed This Summer
mediaite.com/media/tv/the-who-trump-needs-quick-refresher-on-democratic-lawmaker-shot-and-killed-this-summer/
Want to stop political violence? Start by addressing hostile sexism: Expert on violent extremism lays out evidence that gender-based bigotry fuels hate.
salon.com/2025/09/21/want-to-stop-political-violence-start-by-addressing-hostile-sexism/
Trump says he would have lowered flag for assassinated Minnesota Democrat if he had been asked
cbsnews.com/news/trump-lower-flag-minnesota-democrat-melissa-hortman-charlie-kirk/
Tim Walz Tears Into Trump Over His Flag Diss: ‘No Empathy in This Man’: The president claimed the Minnesota governor “didn’t ask” him to order flags lowered ...
thedailybeast.com/tim-walz-spills-on-his-first-thought-after-trump-flag-diss/
Key FactsTim Walz Aims for Historic Third Term
Sep 16, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: apnews.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: apnews.com
- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced his intention to run for a third term in the 2026 election.
- He aims to surpass the state's usual two-term precedent to become its longest-serving governor.
- Walz gained national prominence after being selected as Kamala Harris’s running mate in the 2024 presidential race.
- Critics have challenged his past remarks and handling of unrest, even as he advanced progressive legislative priorities.
I’m heartbroken and angry about the beautiful people we lost to gun violence. But it’s in these moments we have to come together. We can’t lose hope because I’ve seen what we can do when we work together.— Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks about the impact of gun violence and the necessity of unity in difficult times.
Donald Trump Jr.: Trans People Are More Dangerous Than al Qaeda: The president’s son responded to the death of Charlie Kirk by attacking transgender people on ...
thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-jr-trans-people-are-more-dangerous-than-al-qaeda/
Greg Gutfeld And Co-Host Clash In Fiery Debate On Political Violence Amid Charlie Kirk’s Killing
huffpost.com/entry/greg-gutfeld-tarlov-kirk-assassination_n_68c9a276e4b0e64fe309aa31
Kaitlan Collins Reveals Major Inconsistency In Trump’s Charlie Kirk Tribute: The CNN reporter brought the receipts.
huffpost.com/entry/kaitlan-collins-trump-hypocrisy-kirk_n_68c96374e4b04bfe9a6ffb01
OpinionTrump gave vastly different responses to Charlie Kirk's and Melissa Hortman's assassinations
msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-response-charlie-kirk-melissa-hortman-shootings-rcna230825
Michael Keaton Points Out The Biggest ‘Irony’ About Charlie Kirk’s Death: The “Dopesick” star added that the circumstances of the right-wing activist’s death was ...
huffpost.com/entry/michael-keaton-points-out-the-biggest-irony-about-charlie-kirks-death_n_68c982b4e4b0bf99dd2540ff
OpinionEditorial | Diminishing Hortman’s death feeds a lie: The left owns political violence
startribune.com/melissa-hortman-charlie-kirk-assassination/601475238
A journalist asked President Trump if it would have been fitting to lower flags to half-staff when Melissa Hortman, the Minnesota House Speaker ... Show more
Trump wouldn't call Minnesota governor after Democrat was slain but now blames him for raised flags
Trump wouldn't call Minnesota governor after Democrat was slain but now blames him for raised flags
America is gripped by political violence - and Trump's vitriol is part of it: Political discourse in America is now pockmarked by the President’s own violent ...
inews.co.uk/news/world/charlie-kirk-america-dripped-political-violence-trump-vitriol-3911762
Trump's Violence Claims Spark Internet Backlash: "We wouldn’t celebrate if something happened on their side, and we don’t," President Trump said.
huffpost.com/entry/trump-sick-deranged-rant_n_68c7a539e4b081f17e8dd73e
Walz on Trump remarks about slain Minnesota lawmaker: ‘No compassion’: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) on Tuesday slammed President Trump for not speaking ...
thehill.com/homenews/administration/5508104-walz-on-trump-remarks-about-slain-minnesota-lawmaker-no-compassion/
Trump condemns political violence, but doesn't mention attacks on Democrats: State Rep. Melissa Hortman her husband Mark were killed in June in their home.
abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-condemns-political-violence-mention-attacks-democrats/story
Minnesota House Democrats choose new leader after former Speaker Melissa Hortman killed in political attack
cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-house-democrats-new-leader-stephenson-hortman/
GOP Senator Mike Lee Faces Backlash for Charlie Kirk Assassination Response: Two assassinations, two responses: Mike Lee praised Charlie Kirk as a "patriot" and ...
newsweek.com/utah-mike-lee-charlie-kirk-melissa-hortman-assassination-response-2128368
President Donald Trump was asked about recent attacks on democratic political figures, including Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman ... Show more
Authorities tracking unspecified threats to Charlie Kirk memorial attendees: Federal authorities are tracking “several threats of unknown credibility” against ...
thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5512713-authorities-tracking-unspecified-threats-charlie-kirk-memorial/
