In her first public statement since the deadly weekend shooting that shook Minnesota’s political community, State Representative Kristin Bahner has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as concern for injured Senator John Hoffman and his family. Bahner narrowly escaped becoming a victim herself after the accused shooter, Vance Boelter, reportedly came to her home during his rampage but left when she and her family were not there.
Authorities say Boelter fatally shot Rep. Hortman and her husband in Brooklyn Park after earlier shooting Senator Hoffman and his wife in Champlin. He then traveled to Bahner’s home in Maple Grove and later attempted to approach the residence of Senator Ann Rest in New Hope, where a police officer happened to be on-site, potentially disrupting further plans. Court filings indicate Boelter had a hit list of Democratic lawmakers, including Bahner.
“This Senseless Violence Came to My Door,” Says kristin Bahner
In a written statement released Wednesday, Rep. Bahner recounted the horror of discovering her name had been among those targeted in a politically motivated act of violence. Reflecting on the events, she stated, “The past several days have been surrounded by so much grief and fear. This senseless violence came to my door as well, placing me and my family in harm’s way.”
kristin Bahner credited a last-minute change in family plans—what she described as “divine intervention”—for saving their lives. “I do not know why this man was filled with such hatred that he would come to my door,” she said. “Yet these events rarely leave us without marks; they will forever change us.”
Grief, Gratitude, and a Pledge to Carry Forward the Work
Kristin Bahner also shared an emotional tribute to her longtime friend and mentor, Rep. Melissa Hortman. “I would walk through fire to follow Melissa,” she wrote. “She was strong and steadfast… She never wavered from placing the people of Minnesota at the center of our work.”
She extended her thoughts and prayers to the Hoffman family and expressed appreciation to Maple Grove police for their swift response and ongoing support. Bahner said she is determined to carry on the work of unity and service that Hortman exemplified.
“We will not let fear or division win,” Bahner concluded. “Melissa has set a high bar, placing the work in our hands to make the world a better place.”
Authorities continue to investigate Boelter’s motives, while kristin Bahner and others close to the victims grieve, heal, and seek to rebuild a shaken sense of safety and solidarity within the Minnesota legislature.
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