Minnesota man gets life in prison for assassinating Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman

Vance Boelter, 59, has been sentenced to life in federal prison for the 2025 assassinations of Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. The sentence, handed down by US District Court Judge John Tunheim in Minneapolis on Thursday, also includes an additional 40 years. Boelter pleaded guilty to six counts in June, a decision that spared him a potential death sentence as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Boelter carried out the late-night attacks on June 14, 2025, by disguising himself as a police officer. Wearing a silicone mask and a police uniform, he drove an SUV with a "Police" license plate. He fatally shot Hortman, the top Democrat in the Minnesota House, and her husband after ringing their doorbell and gaining entry. Earlier that night, he also shot and wounded state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home a few miles away.

Authorities revealed that Boelter had also visited the homes of two other lawmakers that night. In one instance, no one answered the door, and in another, a police officer approached Boelter's car, leading him to leave. Investigators discovered a list of over 45 Minnesota officials in Boelter's car. He was apprehended two days later following a massive manhunt, described as the largest in the state's history.

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Political violence is an attack not only on its immediate victims, but also on our communities, our democratic institutions, and the rule of law.

"Political violence is an attack not only on its immediate victims, but also on our communities, our democratic institutions, and the rule of law," Acting US Attorney Todd Blanche stated. During the sentencing hearing, victims and family members shared their grief. Sophie Hortman, daughter of the deceased couple, tearfully expressed, "I miss my mom, I miss my dad. I miss believing in the goodness of humanity."

Mark Hortman's father, J. Carroll Hortman, voiced criticism of the government's plea deal. The shootings have underscored a broader trend of increasing political violence in the United States in recent years.

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I miss my mom, I miss my dad. I miss believing in the goodness of humanity.