Man who killed Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman sentenced to life

World·NewMan who killed Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman sentenced to lifeFriends 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 spirit and her legacy, but caused enduring fear and fury as he changed their lives forever.59-year-old agreed to plead guilty in June, nearly a year after Minneapolis-area attacksThe Associated Press · Posted: Jul 23, 2026 2:08 PM EDT | Last Updated: 26 minutes agoPlayListen to this articleEstimated 7 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur.

We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman's desk sits empty in memoriam except for flowers, her portrait and a gavel in the Minnesota House chamber on March 18 at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minn.

(Steve Karnowski/The Associated Press)Social SharingFriends 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 spirit and 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 Court 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, survivors describe impact of attacksIn court Thursday, 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."Colin Hortman, son of Mark and Melissa Hortman, walks into the lobby of the Diana E. Murphy United States Courthouse before a sentencing hearing for Vance Boelter in Minneapolis on Thursday.

(Alex Kormann/Minnesota Star Tribune/The Associated Press)Boelter admitted 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."Sentence sparks furyMark Hortman's parents and siblings spoke of their anger Thursday, both at the man who killed him and of 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 Thursday, 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 wil