Man who killed Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman sentenced to life as
family describes trauma, loss
[July 24, 2026]
By ELLEN SCHMIDT and CLAUDIA LAUER
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Friends and family of Minnesota Democratic lawmaker
Melissa Hortman said the man sentenced Thursday to two life terms plus
40 years after pleading guilty to her murder failed to eliminate her
legacy but caused enduring fear and fury as he changed their lives
forever.
Fellow lawmakers and survivors of the shooting spoke Thursday at the
sentencing hearing for Vance Boelter, the man who pleaded guilty last
month to federal charges related to the killing of former House Speaker
Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as critically wounding state Sen.
John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Boelter, 59, agreed to plead guilty in June, almost a year after the
Minneapolis-area attacks, so federal prosecutors would not seek the
death penalty. Mark Hortman's father and siblings voiced anger that he
could not be sentenced to death.
U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim said it was “the longest sentence I
have imposed after hearing thousands of cases over the years, but I do
believe it is deserved.”
Victims and survivors describe the impact of the attacks
In court Thursday, Sen. Hoffman said he and his family are constantly
reminded of the extraordinary violence of that night, even in the
mundane details of day-to-day life. He said they don't receive mail at
home anymore, they have installed solid steel doors for protection, and
they have changed how they do everyday tasks because of their injuries.
“The defendant looked me in the eyes and pulled the trigger. The
defendant looked at my wife and chose to do the same,” Hoffman said. “My
wife and I now live with injuries. We live with our bodies remembering
the gunfire.”
Yvette Hoffman said she has been too traumatized to work since the
attack in their home, and that she sees a therapist weekly.
“I will never forget looking down and watching my blood slowly stream
down that white washing machine as I felt myself sinking to the floor,”
she said, barely holding back tears. “We always have an escape plan now.
This isn’t how people should live.”
Boelter admitted in court last month that he spent months identifying
and stalking his targets before driving to their homes disguised as a
police officer with the intention of killing them. The killings sparked
the largest police search in state history.
Democratic State Rep. Kristin Bahner was one of two other legislators
whose homes Boelter visited that night, but she and her family were on
vacation. Bahner said the shootings had left her shaken.
“I could not fathom why I was spared and (Hortman) was not,” she said.
“You failed because I carry her with me. In my mind and in my heart, she
guides me.”
The proposed sentence sparks fury
Mark Hortman's parents and siblings spoke of their anger Thursday, both
at the man who killed him and the justice system.
“It will not offer me peace of mind that he will have room and board
provided for the rest of his life, paid for by my tax dollars,” said
Lisa Hortman Bean, Mark's sister.
Melissa Hortman's mother and father and the Hortman's children changed
the tone of the statements when they spoke, remembering them as
attentive, loving parents and grandparents and people who had a positive
impact on thousands of lives.
Sophie Hortman, their daughter, described in vivid detail having to say
goodbye to Gilbert, the golden retriever, also shot by Boelter but who
was still alive when they arrived at the veterinary hospital. She talked
about the bedtime routine her mother had with Gilbert, who failed his
service dog test because he was too friendly, and the care and love she
gave him.
“I miss my mom. I miss my dad. I miss my best friends. And I miss
believing in the goodness of humanity. I hope that one day these aches
feel less sharp. And I know just like the love I feel for my parents,
the pain will never go away,” she said through tears.
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In this courtroom sketch, Vance Boelter, center, listens during his
sentencing hearing on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Minneapolis.
(Cedric Hohnstadt via AP)
Colin Hortman talked about his parents not being at his recent
wedding, about not dancing with his mother who he had hoped would
make his wedding cake. He described the horror of the house and the
panic attacks and crying that have persisted in the year since they
were killed.
“My days are filled with gray, and the blood that was spilled is the
last thing I see before I go to sleep and the first thing I see when
I wake,” he said. “There is no sentence that weighs 15 gunshots, a
murdered dog and the rest of my life.”
“It is impossible to realize the damage that has been done not only
to our family, but to our society,” said Melissa's father Harold
Haluptzok, who repeatedly referred to her as his “little girl.”
“I wish the perpetrator would have sat down and talked to Melissa
about his political positions. ... if only he did that before he
decided to kill them,” Haluptzok added.
Defense attorney says Boelter has remorse
Federal defender Manny Atwal spoke only briefly after the victim
impact statements Thursday, saying Boelter showed remorse for his
actions by pleading guilty and accepting the life sentences.
Boelter remained silent and sat extremely still for most of the
hearing, showing little emotion or reaction to the anguish expressed
by the survivors and family members.
“To every person I have caused loss, pain, heartache, confusion,
sadness, shame or loneliness, I am truly sorry,” Boelter said.
Boelter pretended to be a police officer to gain access
Boelter went to Hortman's home, wearing a tactical uniform and mask,
about 3:30 a.m. on June 14, 2025. He rang the doorbell while
shouting he was a police officer doing a welfare check, according to
court documents.
Mark Hortman answered the door. Boelter gave him a fake name and
badge number before requesting he summon Melissa Hortman to the door
as well. He shot Mark Hortman multiple times before pushing into the
house and shooting the lawmaker as she fled upstairs. Melissa and
Mark Hortman were killed.
Boelter had already visited the Hoffmans' home that night, shooting
and critically injuring the senator and his wife, according to
police and court documents. Court documents said Boelter also went
to Bahner's house that night as well as the home of another
lawmaker.
Boelter also faces state charges, including two counts of murder,
four counts of attempted murder, impersonating a police officer and
animal cruelty. Hoffman and his family filed a personal injury
lawsuit against Boelter in April.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a statement Thursday
that Boelter's state prosecution would move forward immediately
noting a first appearance is scheduled for Aug. 3.
“The targeted political violence he committed was horrific,”
Moriarty wrote. “My thoughts are with Melissa and Mark’s family, as
well as John, Yvette, and Hope, as the state prosecution moves
forward.”
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