GoFundMe Launched for Wounded State Senator and His Wife
Champlin, MN (KROC-AM News) - A GoFundMe online fundraiser has been launched to benefit the state senator and his wife who were shot and severely wounded by the gunman wanted for the murders of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband.
The fundraising drive was created by the Fernbrook Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization. The GoFundMe page describes Yvette Hoffman as "an indelible part of our Fernbrook community, tirelessly dedicating her time and energy as a support professional."
At a news conference yesterday, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans described how law enforcement officers were called to the home of John and Yvette Hoffman in the Minneapolis suburb of Champlin around 2 a.m. on Saturday. Both were found suffering from severe gunshot wounds. They were transported to a hospital for surgery and were last reported in stable condition. Evans stated there was "cautious optimism" about their chances of recovery.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said officers from his department were then sent to check on the welfare of the Hortmans, who lived about 5 to 6 miles away. When they arrived, the officers spotted what appeared to be a law enforcement SUV in the driveway with emergency lights activated and confronted a man impersonating a police officer as he was exiting the house.
Chief Bruley stated that the suspect opened fire on the officers, who exchanged gunfire with the man as he fled back into the home before escaping through a back door.
Governor Tim Walz described the killings as a "politically motivated assassination" and ordered state flags flown at half-staff in honor of the victims.
Authorities later identified the suspected gunman as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter. The manhunt for him is now in its second day. The FBI has offered a reward of up to $50,000 in the case.
The GoFundMe campaign benefiting the Hoffmans says "this unconscionable act of violence has shaken us all to the core." It indicates that the money raised will be used to help the Hoffman family cover medical care and rehabilitation, lost income, home security upgrades, and living expenses.
As of noon on Sunday, more than $40,000 had been contributed to the fund.
More Minnesota News:
More From Quick Country 96.5
