'Devastated' Hortman Kids Want You to Pet a Dog, Tell a Joke

Hoffman family praised for actions that saved 'countless' others
Posted Jun 17, 2025 6:07 AM CDT
'Devastated' Hortman Kids Want You to Pet a Dog, Tell a Joke
Police tape blocks off the home of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman, Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Brooklyn Park, Minn.   (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

New details are emerging about the heroic actions taken to prevent further loss of life in the Minnesota shootings that killed state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and injured state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. After Yvette Hoffman threw herself on her daughter, Hope Hoffman then called authorities, who were able to save her parents. The call also prompted police to visit the homes of other lawmakers, including some the suspect had allegedly included on a list of targets. "The heroic actions by the Hoffman family and their daughter, Hope, saved countless lives, and we are grateful," Gov. Tim Walz said late Sunday, per the New York Times. The shooting suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, allegedly later texted family saying he "went to war last night," per Reuters.

The Hoffman family said they are "humbled by the outpouring of love and support" as they continue to heal. The Hortmans' two adult children, Sophie and Colin, thanked law enforcement "for their swift action that saved others and for the coordination across communities that led to the arrest of the man who murdered our parents." They added they are "devastated and heartbroken at the loss" of "the bright lights at the center of our lives," who can be honored by visiting a park, petting a dog, telling a "cheesy dad joke," or by standing up "for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace," per ABC News. (More Minnesota stories.)

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