In a chilling tragedy that’s rocked Minnesota politics, former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed in cold blood by 57-year-old Vance Boelter—who also shot the family’s beloved golden retriever, Gilbert. Days later, the dog had to be euthanized from his wounds.
Gilbert wasn’t just a pet. He was a career-changed service dog who became a cherished companion to the Hortman family. State Rep. Erin Koegel shared on X: “Her children had to put down him after learning their parents had been murdered. Gilbert wasn't going to survive. Melissa loved that dog… She needed him in heaven with her.”
Hortman had trained service dogs with local nonprofit Helping Paws, which mourned her on Facebook: “Melissa served her community in more ways than one… They helped raise and train Gilbert, a service dog in training who was eventually career changed and became a cherished member of their family.”
The violence didn’t stop at the Hortman home. Boelter also allegedly attacked State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their nearby home in Champlin. Hoffman survived the shooting. Police launched the largest manhunt in Minnesota history before capturing Boelter in the woods near his residence.
Boelter now faces a mountain of charges—two counts of murder, multiple firearm charges in federal court, and stalking charges. State prosecutors have also filed second-degree murder charges in Hennepin County.
In a heartbreaking statement, Hortman’s adult children said a fitting tribute to their mother would be simple: “Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do.”
The brutal loss of a public servant, her husband, and their family dog has left a community shaken—and demanding answers.