Vance Boelter, 59, was sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years for the murders of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. Boelter pleaded guilty in June to avoid the death penalty after initially entering a not guilty plea. He was indicted on six federal charges, including stalking and murder through the use of a firearm.
U.S. District Court Judge John R. Tunheim stated that the sentence was the longest he had imposed in his career, indicating it was deserved. The Hortman family expressed dissatisfaction with the decision not to pursue the death penalty.
In June 2025, Boelter shot the Hortmans after previously attacking Democratic state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who survived with severe injuries. Boelter had posed as a police officer during the attack. The case has drawn attention to issues of political violence, with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasizing the impact of such acts on communities and democratic institutions. Boelter also faces additional state charges, including murder and animal cruelty.