Minnesota man who killed Democratic lawmaker sentenced to life in US prison

Vance Boelter received one of the longest sentences ever imposed by US District Judge John R Tunheim after pleading guilty to killing Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in June of the previous year. The attacks also left state Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette seriously injured. Boelter, 59, had spent months identifying and stalking his intended targets before driving to their homes disguised as a police officer to carry out the assaults, which triggered an extensive law enforcement response across the state.

During Thursday's sentencing hearing, victims and their families described the profound impact of the violence. Senator Hoffman spoke directly to the defendant, recounting how both he and his wife sustained injuries that continue to affect them physically. Democratic State Representative Kristin Bahner, who was away when the attacker visited her home, expressed gratitude for her survival while mourning the loss of Hortman.

Boelter offered a brief apology during the proceedings, stating remorse for the pain and suffering he had caused. His federal defender noted that the guilty plea itself demonstrated acknowledgment of responsibility. However, family members of Mark Hortman expressed disappointment that capital punishment was not pursued, as prosecutors had agreed to forgo seeking the death penalty in exchange for the guilty plea. Judge Tunheim stated that despite the extraordinary length of the sentence, he believed it was warranted given the severity of the crimes.