The Daily Mail Ex-Minnesota Vikings player attack Tim Walz for state senator’s death.

A State in Shock: Ex-Vikings Player’s Blistering Attack on Governor Walz Amidst Lawmaker Assassination

On the early morning of June 14, 2025, Minnesota was rocked by a brazen, politically motivated shooting spree that claimed the lives of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, critically injured. The shootings, which took place in the suburban communities of Brooklyn Park and Champlin, were carried out by 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, who impersonated a police officer to gain access to his victims’ homes. Within hours of the tragedy, former Minnesota Vikings safety Jack Brewer took to social media to lambaste Governor Tim Walz, branding him “weak” and “emasculated” and blaming his leadership for fostering a dangerous environment that enabled such violence .

The Deadly Spree

At approximately 2:00 a.m. CDT (03:00 Eastern, 08:00 UTC) on June 14, law enforcement officers in Champlin responded to reports of an active shooter at Senator John Hoffman’s residence. Upon arrival, officers discovered the Hoffmans shot multiple times; Senator Hoffman suffered six gunshot wounds, and his wife, Yvette, five, while protecting family members inside the home. Roughly ninety minutes later, Brooklyn Park officers investigating the disappearance of the Champlin shooters encountered what appeared to be a marked police SUV in the driveway of Representative Melissa Hortman’s home. The vehicle—later confirmed to be a convincing imitation—masked the assailant’s identity until he opened fire on responding officers and retreated into the house, where he fatally shot Hortman and her husband, Mark, before fleeing the scene on foot .

In total, the attack left two fatalities and two wounded, marking one of the deadliest assaults on elected officials in recent U.S. history. Authorities recovered a manifesto and a “hit list” of approximately 70 potential targets—including high-profile Democrats like Senator Tina Smith and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar—in the abandoned SUV, suggesting deep-seated ideological motivations behind the violence .

The Suspect: Vance Luther Boelter

The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, is a Minnesota native with a complex history in both evangelical ministry and state advisory roles. Appointed by Governors Mark Dayton and Tim Walz to the state’s Workforce Development Board, Boelter founded a security consulting business and led an evangelical ministry that preached conservative social values. Friends and acquaintances described him as a vocal opponent of abortion rights and LGBTQ+ protections—a stance he articulated in social media posts and church sermons as recently as 2023. The FBI classified him as armed and dangerous and offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. By June 15, federal and state law enforcement agencies had mobilized a massive manhunt, deploying air support and ground units across the Minneapolis–Saint Paul suburbs .

Governor Walz’s Response

Governor Tim Walz addressed the public later on June 14, calling the shootings “an act of targeted political violence” and lamenting the loss of two dedicated public servants. He emphasized the sanctity of democratic discourse and vowed to enhance security measures for elected officials and public gatherings. In his remarks, Walz did not mention Boelter’s previous appointments under his administration, focusing instead on the broader imperative to “return to civil political dialogue” amid rising national tensions. Within hours, Walz convened the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate security protocols and ensure support for the victims’ families .

Jack Brewer’s Scathing Critique

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) shortly after Walz’s press conference, former Vikings standout Jack Brewer launched a blistering attack on the governor’s leadership. Brewer labeled Minnesota “the capital of chaos” and accused Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison of promoting a “dangerous liberal environment” that emasculates traditional values of community, faith, and family. He castigated the governor for failing to address what he termed the moral decline underpinning the violence—specifically calling for a revival of “fatherhood, masculinity, and strong local communities” to stem the tide of political extremism. Brewer’s remarks, amplified by Daily Mail Sport’s social channels, sparked a fierce online debate over the intersection of political rhetoric and public safety .

Bipartisan Outrage and Condemnation

Despite Brewer’s partisan critique, political leaders across Minnesota and Washington united in condemning the shootings. Senator Amy Klobuchar decried the violence as “heartbreaking and horrifying,” while House Speaker Lisa Demuth called for prayers for the victims and first responders. At the federal level, Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer both issued statements denouncing the attack as an unacceptable breach of democratic norms. Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, herself a survivor of political assassination, expressed shock and sorrow, drawing parallels to her own experience to underscore the fragile nature of political service in America. Even former President Donald Trump broke with his typical reticence on Democratic-led tragedies, tweeting that “violence against public servants will not be tolerated” .

Heightened Security Measures

In the wake of the shootings, Minnesota law enforcement implemented a series of unprecedented security protocols. Officials advised residents to verify multiple officers’ credentials before opening their doors and instituted temporary shelter-in-place orders in affected suburbs. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the FBI broadened patrols around the Capitol complex and legislative offices while deploying surveillance assets to track any signs of additional threats. The governor’s office announced plans to review and strengthen background checks for appointees to state boards and commissions—a direct response to Boelter’s prior government roles .

Community Grief and Vigil

Communities in Brooklyn Park and Champlin mobilized quickly to honor the victims. Candlelit vigils were held outside city halls, with hundreds turning out to pay respects to Melissa and Mark Hortman. Local pastors and faith leaders called for unity and prayer, emphasizing forgiveness and healing in a moment of profound grief. Neighboring school districts offered counseling services to students shaken by the news, and civic organizations pledged to fund scholarships in the victims’ names to support youth leadership development—a tribute to Hortman’s commitment to education and family .

The Broader Implications for Democracy

The Minnesota shootings have reignited national debates about the corrosive impact of extreme political rhetoric and the safety of public servants. Experts warn that social media platforms can exacerbate radicalization, as seen in the dissemination of Boelter’s manifesto and hit list. The incident has prompted calls for bipartisan reform to address hate-fueled violence, including proposals for tougher penalties on those who threaten or physically harm elected officials. Civil rights groups are also urging lawmakers to investigate the role of extremist networks and foreign influence operations in spreading violent ideologies .

Polarization and Path Forward

Minnesota’s tragedy underscores a stark reality: political polarization, if left unchecked, can cross the line from heated debate to outright violence. As the state grapples with healing, leaders on both sides of the aisle have emphasized the need for respectful discourse and shared civic responsibility. Proposals for “peace circles,” community forums designed to bridge ideological divides, are gaining traction in Twin Cities neighborhoods. Meanwhile, faith-based coalitions are launching mentorship programs aimed at reinforcing values of empathy, accountability, and service among young people at risk of radicalization .

Conclusion

The June 14, 2025, shootings in Minnesota mark a grim milestone in America’s ongoing struggle with political violence. The deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman, the injuries sustained by the Hoffmans, and the aftermath of fear and outrage have left an indelible scar on the state. Governor Tim Walz faces the daunting task of guiding Minnesota through mourning and reform, while critics like Jack Brewer warn of moral decay and call for a return to traditional values. Amid bipartisan condemnation and heightened security measures, local communities strive to find solace in unity, candlelight vigils, and promises of more civil dialogue. Ultimately, Minnesota’s ordeal stands as a sobering reminder that a healthy democracy requires not only robust debate but also a collective commitment to safeguard the lives—and honor the service—of those who choose to lead.