Friends and family of Minnesota Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman said the man sentenced Thursday to two life terms plus 40 years after pleading guilty to her murder failed to eliminate her legacy but caused enduring fear and fury as he changed their lives forever.

Fellow lawmakers and survivors of the shooting spoke Thursday at the sentencing hearing for Vance Boelter, the man who pleaded guilty last month to federal charges related to the killing of former House Speaker Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as critically wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.

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Boelter, 59, agreed to plead guilty in June, almost a year after the Minneapolis-area attacks, so federal prosecutors would not seek the death penalty. Mark Hortman's father and siblings voiced anger that he could not be sentenced to death.

U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim said it was  the longest sentence I have imposed after hearing thousands of cases over the years, but I do believe it is deserved. 


Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed and state Sen. John Hoffman and his spouse are currently being treated for their injuries at a hospital after  targeted shootings  in Minnesota.

Victims and survivors describe the impact of the attacks

In court Thursday, Sen. Hoffman said he and his family are constantly reminded of the extraordinary violence of that night, even in the mundane details of day-to-day life. He said they don't receive mail at home anymore, they have installed solid steel doors for protection, and they have changed how they do everyday tasks because of their injuries.

 The defendant looked me in the eyes and pulled the trigger. The defendant looked at my wife and chose to do the same,  Hoffman said.  My wife and I now live with injuries. We live with our bodies remembering the gunfire. 

Yvette Hoffman said she has been too traumatized to work since the attack in their home, and that she sees a therapist weekly.

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