Law enforcement's response to fatal shooting of state lawmakers raises questions
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Law enforcement’s response to the June 14 shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses is raising new questions. The Minnesota Star Tribune (MST) examined the timeline of events and found several instances in which law enforcement made unsettling decisions.

On June 14, state Sen. John Hoffman, 34, DFL, and Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL, along with their spouses, were shot in their respective homes. Hoffman and his wife were wounded, but survived, while Hortman and her husband were killed.

Crime scene at home of the late Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman

A Brooklyn Park police cruiser is stationed outside the home of DFL State Rep. Melissa Hortman on June 15, 2025, in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.  (Stephen Maturen)

Additionally, the outlet alleges that Brooklyn Park police encountered the gunman at the Hortmans’ home and saw him shoot Mark Hortman in the doorway before firing at the suspect. The gunman then went inside the home and additional gunfire was seen inside the house, according to MST.

MST also claims that some police officers and legislators were not fully aware of the threat for several hours.

Boelter was indicted on six federal charges in connection with the shootings, including the attempted shooting of Hope Hoffman. The maximum penalties for the charges include life in prison or death, according to the DOJ.

Crime scene at home of the late Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman

Boards cover the doors and windows outside the home of DFL State Rep. Melissa Hortman on June 15, 2025, in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

“Vance Boelter planned and carried out a night of terror that shook Minnesota to its core,” Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said in a statement.

“He carried out targeted political assassinations the likes of which have never been seen in Minnesota. We grieve with the Hortman family and continue to pray for the recovery of the Hoffmans. Today, a grand jury indicted Boelter with the most serious of federal charges for these heinous political assassinations. Let me be clear: Boelter will see justice.”

Fox News Digital reached out to Brooklyn Park Police and New Hope Police outside of office hours and did not receive a response from either department in time for publication.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
The US is on the verge of losing its measles elimination status. Here's why that matters.

Could the US Lose Measles-Free Status? Discover the Impact and Urgency of Vaccination Now

In the battle against measles, precision is paramount. The virus stands as…
Trump Greenland envoy disinvited from dog sled race amid heightened rhetoric

Trump’s Greenland Representative Barred from Dog Sled Event Amid Rising Tensions

Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana, who serves as President Donald Trump’s envoy…
Buxom influencer got coveted O-1B visa for these two reasons

Unlocking the O-1B Visa: How a Buxom Influencer Captivated US Immigration with Star Power

Julia Ain, a Canadian influencer renowned for her eye-catching presence, has made…
New evidence rewrites how Egypt's Great Pyramid was built

Groundbreaking Discovery Unveils New Insights into Construction of Egypt’s Great Pyramid

For centuries, the method by which Egypt’s Great Pyramid was constructed has…
One dead, 20 hurt after train derails in Spain days after fatal crash

Tragic Train Derailment in Spain Leaves One Dead, 20 Injured

A tragic train derailment near Barcelona has claimed the life of one…
Doctor who treated Dick Cheney calls for congressional inquiry into Trump's presidential fitness

Ex-Cheney Doctor Urges Congress to Investigate Trump’s Fitness for Presidency

(The Hill) — Dr. Jonathan Reiner, who served as the cardiologist for…
Melissa Gilbert seen in court for her husband's pretrial hearing

Melissa Gilbert’s Courtroom Stand: Supporting Her Husband at High-Profile Pretrial Hearing

Melissa Gilbert, renowned for her role in “Little House on the Prairie,”…
US Marshals nab fugitive hiding under child's bed: officials

US Marshals Capture Fugitive Concealed Beneath Child’s Bed: A Shocking Discovery

In a dramatic turn of events, the United States Marshals Service apprehended…