Minnesota lawmaker shootings: Vance Boelter sentenced to 2 life terms plus 40 years

A Minnesota man who tried to shift political power by killing Democratic lawmakers will spend the rest of his life in federal prison.

The judge handed down two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years in federal prison, the longest sentence ever given by this judge. The punishment was the result of a plea deal, but the judge said it was warranted after hearing from survivors and victims’ families.

Melissa and Mark Hortman were killed at their home in June 2025, while Senator John Hoffman, his wife Yvette, and their daughter Hope were also targeted. Vance Boelter, the convicted gunman, had plans to kill more Democratic lawmakers.

Linda Haluptzok, Melissa Hortman’s mother, said, “It’s over but it’s never over.” She described her daughter as “a force and her husband was a wonderful man and the world is a poorer place without them both.” Harry Haluptzok, Melissa’s father, added, “and it’s just special that they were loved that much, and we love them too, so much. We miss them.”

Friends and family members spoke about Mark’s smile and creativity and Melissa’s humanity, emphasizing the deep loss they feel. Colin Hortman, their son, said, “The blood that was spilled is the last thing I see before I sleep and the first thing I see when I wake.” His sister shared, “My entire life had been shattered in 30 seconds. My parents were dead. The dog had been shot multiple times. My brother was wrecked. And we had to stand up and keep going.”

The family lived in fear until police caught the gunman, and they later had to put down their dog, Gilbert, due to his injuries.

FOX 9 Minneapolis reporter Corin Hoggard joins LiveNOW’s Andy Mac to discuss.

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