NOTE: The video aired before the gunman, Vance Boelter, surrendered to authorities and was arrested on Sunday, June 15. To learn more, click here.
If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
In Minnesota, the hunt ended on Sunday for the 57-year-old man who allegedly killed state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. Police believe the gunman also shot and wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. A family member said both are awake and recovering. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota joins John Yang to discuss.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who was Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark as described by Sen. Amy Klobuchar? Who are Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette?
- What is known about the motive behind the shootings?
- Where did the shootings take place?
- When did the shootings occur?
- How does Klobuchar humanize politicians' lives and Minnesota communities in the face of political violence?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
- How do you think lawmakers and members of the public should honor Rep. Hortman and her husband Mark?
- How might such tragedies affect how people approach civic engagement?
Media literacy:
- Why do you think the News Hour chose to interview Sen. Amy Klobuchar?
- Klobuchar discussed how the number of threats on elected officials has increased from 1,600 in 2016 to more than 9,000 in 2024. Do you think Klobluchar's emotional framing of this message helps to combat violence against politicians — members of our communities?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
- Think about a similar time when political violence took place. What actions were the most impactful on the community? Do you think such actions would be helpful in response to the tragedies of Rep. Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman? Can you think of other ways communities have come together to support one another in times of crisis? Did any changes in policy eventually take place?
2. You may also want to see this lesson, Lesson plan: Civic engagement and how students can get involved:
Credit: PBS News Hour Classroom screenshot
Written by Kevin Roodnauth, PBS News Hour Classroom's intern and senior at Amherst College, and News Hour's Vic Pasquantonio.
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