Life Sentence for Minnesota Lawmaker's Killer

The man who killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and attempted to assassinate a state senator and his wife was sentenced on Thursday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 40 years.

Vance Boelter, 59, of Minnesota, pleaded guilty in June to six charges, including murder and stalking, avoiding the death penalty under a plea agreement.

The attacks took place on 14 June 2025. Disguised in a silicone mask and police uniform, Boelter drove a modified vehicle bearing the word “Police.” He first shot and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife before killing Hortman and her husband.

Police apprehended Boelter after a two-day manhunt, the largest in state history. Investigators later found a list in his vehicle containing the names of more than 45 other state officials.

At Thursday's sentencing hearing, relatives of the victims and survivors described their grief and loss of faith in humanity. Some family members also expressed disappointment with the plea agreement.

Boelter briefly apologized to those in the courtroom for the pain and suffering caused by his actions.

(Reuters, Max)