Senator Amy Klobuchar expressed her grief over the loss of fellow Minnesota Democrat Mellissa Hortman, who was tragically shot and killed in her home alongside her husband, Mark, early Saturday morning. Klobuchar referred to Hortman as a “true public servant.”
“I just wish everyone in the world, the political world, knew this woman like we know her in Minnesota, loved by Democrats and Republicans alike,” Klobuchar stated about Hortman, who had served in the Minnesota House since 2005.
Recalling her personal connection to Hortman, Klobuchar shared, “We started out together in politics, moms with young kids, and somehow she was able to balance getting to know everyone, door knocking every house in her district, while raising two children.” This sentiment was conveyed during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
The senator revealed that she had dined with Hortman the night before the deadly attack, which authorities are categorizing as a “politically motivated assassination” carried out by a gunman impersonating a police officer.
A significant manhunt is underway for the shooter, identified as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter.
In a separate incident on the same morning, State Senator John A. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot at their home. Klobuchar noted that the Hoffmans are “hanging in there,” despite John needing possible “additional surgeries.” He is currently reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities have indicated that the suspect may still be located in the Midwest and have issued an alert in South Dakota. “We believe he’s somewhere in the vicinity and that they are going to find him,” Klobuchar said, urging the public to remain vigilant.
She cautioned anyone who spots the suspect to “not approach him,” highlighting concerns for public safety. “My concern is that this guy is going to come up against just an innocent, try to take their car, try to go into their house right now,” Klobuchar warned.
The senator added that while many political leaders in Minnesota have been granted extra protection following the events, ordinary citizens remain vulnerable. Further complicating the situation, authorities discovered a “manifesto” in the suspect’s vehicle, which listed several names of officials and lawmakers. Klobuchar mentioned that she has received increased security measures, albeit without making a formal request.
