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BCA identifies officer involved in force incident at Hortman residence on June 14

June 26, 2025

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the Brooklyn Park police officer who discharged his firearm during a use-of-force encounter at Melissa and Mark Hortman’s home on June 14. Melissa Hortman was the Minnesota House speaker emerita. 

  • Officer Zachary Baumtrog discharged his firearm. He has nine years of law enforcement experience. The Brooklyn Park Police Department has placed him on critical incident leave. 

According to the BCA’s preliminary investigation, Officer Baumtrog and another officer proactively responded to the Hortman residence just after 3:30 a.m. to check their welfare after a shooting occurred at the home of John and Yvette Hoffman in a neighboring city. John Hoffman is a Minnesota state senator. 

As officers arrived, they encountered a vehicle resembling a squad car with emergency lights flashing in the Hortmans’ driveway and a man, later identified as Vance Boelter, at the front of the home dressed as a police officer. Shots were fired and Officer Baumtrog discharged his firearm in response. Due to the ongoing overall investigation, no further details are available.   

BCA crime scene personnel recovered spent casings at the scene. Officer Baumtrog was wearing a body camera during the incident and BCA agents are reviewing that video as they continue to investigate.  

The Brooklyn Park Police Department requested the BCA to investigate this use-of-force incident. This investigation is ongoing. When complete, the BCA will present its findings without recommendation to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for review.

No further information is available at this time.

Graphic for news releases, has BCA logo and text reads: "News release: Use-of-force incident"

Mike Ernster 

Michael.Ernster@state.mn.us

651-509-5644

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