Law enforcement’s response to the June 14 shooting that left Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband dead, while wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, is under sharp scrutiny. The Minnesota Star Tribune (MST) has uncovered troubling aspects of the timeline, revealing that law enforcement made critical missteps during the crisis. The incident, which shocked the Minnesota community, has sparked intense debate over how effectively law enforcement was able to manage the threat posed by the suspect, Vance Boelter.
On June 14, the shooting occurred at the homes of Hoffman, 34, DFL, and Hortman, DFL, along with their spouses. Hoffman and his wife survived the attack, though they were severely wounded, while Hort, a seasoned legislator, and her spouse were tragically killed. Despite having identified Boelter as the individual impersonating an officer and targeting a politician, law enforcement took over 10 hours to notify the lawmakers of the imminent threat, according to the MST. This delay has raised serious questions about the agency’s preparedness and its ability to communicate effectively during a crisis.
Following the shooting of Hoffman and his wife, a New Hope police officer, who had self-dispatched to the home of state Sen. Ann Rest, DFL, reportedly came into contact with Boelter. According to the MST, Boelter did not respond to the officer’s inquiries, prompting the officer to leave to check on Rest. However, this interaction was not immediately reported, further highlighting gaps in the communication chain. Additionally, Brooklyn Park police are alleged to have encountered Boelter at the Hortmans’ home, where he shot Mark Hortman in the doorway before entering the house and discharging additional gunfire.
Some officers and legislators were reportedly not fully aware of the threat for several hours, leading to a slow and fragmented response. The MST has also pointed out that the delay in alerting lawmakers could have had dire consequences, potentially allowing the suspect to act without immediate intervention. The agency’s response has been criticized for lacking the urgency and coordination required in a situation of this magnitude.
Vance Boelter has been indicted on six federal charges, including the attempted shooting of Hope Hoffman. The charges carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty, as per the Department of Justice. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson described the attack as a ‘night of terror’ that shook Minnesota to its core, emphasizing that Boelter will face justice for his heinous crimes.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Fox News Digital was unable to reach Brooklyn Park Police and New Hope Police for comment outside of office hours. The lack of official responses has only added to the public’s skepticism regarding the transparency and accountability of law enforcement actions during this crisis.