Vance Boelter, 59, was sentenced on Thursday to two consecutive life terms plus 40 years in prison for the killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, as well as for the attempted murders of state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman. The attacks occurred in the early hours of June 14, 2025, and represented the largest police search in Minnesota history.
Boelter pleaded guilty in June to six federal charges related to the shooting spree, agreeing to the plea deal to avoid the death penalty. U.S. District Judge John Tunheim described the sentence as “the longest sentence I have imposed after hearing thousands of cases over the years,” emphasizing that it was warranted given the severity of the crimes.
According to court documents and statements made during the sentencing hearing, Boelter had spent several months stalking and identifying his targets. On the night of the shootings, he drove to the victims’ homes dressed in tactical gear and a mask, disguised as a police officer conducting welfare checks. Boelter first shot the Hoffmans at their residence, critically injuring both John and Yvette Hoffman. He then went to the Hortman home, where he shot Mark Hortman multiple times at the door before entering and fatally shooting Melissa Hortman as she fled upstairs.
Survivors and family members spoke at the hearing about the lasting impact of the violence. John Hoffman described how the shooting has altered his family’s daily life, including no longer receiving mail at home and installing reinforced steel doors for protection. He recounted looking his attacker in the eye before the shooting and the lingering physical and emotional trauma. Yvette Hoffman, unable to work since the attack, shared her ongoing struggles with trauma and therapy, describing the moment she was wounded inside her home.
Family members of the victims expressed a range of emotions at the hearing. Mark Hortman’s relatives voiced frustration that Boelter would spend life in prison rather than face the death penalty, criticizing the justice system for providing the shooter with taxpayer-funded incarceration. In contrast, Melissa Hortman’s parents and children focused on honoring her legacy, recalling her as a devoted parent, grandparent, and public servant who positively affected many lives. Their daughter Sophie spoke emotionally about losing her parents and their family dog, Gilbert, who was also wounded in the attack.
The shootings shocked the Minneapolis area and left a lasting mark on the local political community. Despite the tragedy, many who spoke at the hearing emphasized the enduring spirit and impact of Melissa Hortman’s work. Boelter remains in custody to serve his sentence without the possibility of parole.