SE Twin Cities

State Representative Keith Allen has publicly condemned the recent attack that resulted in the deaths of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. The couple was murdered in their Brooklyn Park home on June 14th by a masked gunman identified as Vance Luther Boelter. Following this incident, Boelter allegedly attacked the Champlin residence of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, leaving them with serious injuries. Their daughter, Hope, was present during the attack but was protected from harm by her mother.

Boelter was apprehended after a two-day manhunt and faces charges including first-degree murder and attempted murder. Authorities found a "hit list" with names and addresses of several elected officials in his possession.

Allen expressed his condolences to the victims' families and emphasized that these acts were not just personal attacks but assaults on democratic institutions. “This was not just a violent crime. This was a direct attempt to terrorize and destabilize the people who serve our state,” he stated.

Despite only serving briefly with Speaker Hortman, Allen acknowledged her dedication to public service: “She was focused, driven, and serious about her work.” He also highlighted that Melissa and Mark Hortman were integral members of their community beyond their political roles.

Allen praised law enforcement for swiftly capturing Boelter: “I’m grateful to the law enforcement officers who worked nonstop to find and arrest the suspect.” He called for addressing political anger that incites such violence, urging for civil discourse: “We can have sharp disagreements... But those disagreements must never justify hate, violence, or fear.”

He concluded by affirming that unity within government remains achievable.