Sen. John Hoffman and wife recovering while hunt for gunman continues

Kristi Miller, Pioneer Press on Jun 15, 2025

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While Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, recover from multiple gunshot wounds, efforts are being made to help them with the expenses they will incur after a gunman posing as a police officer entered their home and shot them.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for the couple’s recovery expenses. The fundraising account was set up by the Parent-Teacher Organization at Fernbrook Elementary School in Maple Grove, where Yvette Hoffman works as a paraprofessional supporting kindergarten teachers and students.

As of Sunday afternoon, nearly $54,000 has been raised for the couple who were shot and injured shortly before a gunman shot and killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, a few miles away. The suspect, Vance Boelter, is the subject of a massive manhunt and was still considered “armed and dangerous” Sunday afternoon.

Yvette Hoffman was able to text friends after her surgeries, according to Sen. Amy Klobuchar in a statement this morning on “Meet the Press.”

Hoffman’s nephew, Mat Ollig, said that as the gunman opened fire, his aunt threw herself onto her daughter to protect her. Despite being shot several times, none of the bullets penetrated any organs, he said.

His uncle was also shot and the bullets “narrowly” missed his heart.

In Klobuchar’s interview with “Meet the Press” with Kristen Welker, she spoke fondly of Hoffman, saying, “So he’s another extraordinary person. He got into politics because his daughter has spina bifida, couldn’t get insurance coverage and went from the school board to the state legislature.”

She said the couple was recovering in the hospital after multiple gunshot wounds. Yvette Hoffman was out of surgery and texting mutual friends. John Hoffman might face additional surgeries, but was in stable condition, she said.

The Parent Teacher Organization at Fernbrook Elementary School said the shooting has “shaken us all to our core.”

The organizers said that Yvette Hoffman was an “invaluable” part of the school community, tirelessly dedicating her time and energy as a support professional.

“She brings joy, compassion, and unwavering support to our students, staff, and families every single day,” fundraiser organizers said. “Her husband, Senator Hoffman, has been a committed advocate for our state, working tirelessly to serve his constituents and improve our communities.”

Along with physical injuries, the couple “are facing immense emotional trauma and an uncertain road to recovery. The medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and the need for security measures will undoubtedly be expensive. On top of this, their lives have been irrevocably altered, and they will need time to heal, both physically and emotionally, without the added burden of financial stress.”

Organizers said that “Every donation, no matter how big or small, will directly contribute to medical expenses and rehabilitation costs, lost income, home security enhancements and necessary living expenses. We hope by launching this campaign, we can alleviate the burden of costs during this challenging time.”

“Mrs. Hoffman and Senator Hoffman have given so much to our community and state. Now, it’s our turn to show them our unwavering support. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign widely. Let’s wrap our Flyer arms around them and help them navigate this incredibly difficult journey.”

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