Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar had dinner with former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman just hours before Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home. Klobuchar, who had known Hortman since their early political careers, described her as a kind, no-nonsense leader with a gift for uniting others. The tragic killings, described as a “politically motivated assassination,” were carried out by 57-year-old Vance Boelter, who posed as a police officer. Boelter, a former appointee of Gov. Tim Walz, left behind a manifesto naming 70 political figures, including Walz and members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation. Klobuchar noted she was not listed among the targets. Boelter also shot Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, both of whom survived.
Boelter’s car contained “No Kings” protest flyers, linking him to anti-government sentiment. After a two-day manhunt, he was captured. Klobuchar shared memories of Hortman’s early political life, balancing public service with raising a family and leading youth activities. She recalled how Hortman, as House Speaker, opened legislative dialogue by disabling a mute button her predecessor had used. In response to the escalating political violence, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for increased security for Klobuchar, Sen. Tina Smith, and others. Klobuchar expressed concern that such violence could deter people from public service, emphasizing the need for committed individuals to uphold democracy. She cited the dramatic rise in threats to lawmakers—from 1,700 in 2016 to over 9,000 in 2023—as a troubling trend, urging serious national attention and action.
