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Vance Boelter sentenced for shootings of Minnesota lawmakers and spouses
By Louis Casiano
Published July 23, 2026
Vance Luther Boelter — the man who pleaded guilty to killing a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband and opening fire on another elected official and his spouse — was sentenced Thursday to life in prison.
Boelter, 58, received two consecutive life sentences, plus 40 years in prison, all to be served consecutively over the killing of former House Speaker Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as critically wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, FOX 9 reported.
The sentence was part of a plea deal that allowed Boelter to avoid the death penalty. He apologized before the U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim handed down the punishment.
A mugshot of Minnesota lawmaker shooting suspect Vance Boelter in custody at Hennepin County Jail. On Thursday, Boelter was sentenced to two life sentences. (Hennepin County Jail)
"To every person I have caused loss, pain, heartache, confusion, sadness, shame, or loneliness, I am truly sorry," Boelter said.
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."
In court, Hoffman said he and his family were reminded of the violence of that night, to the point that they don't receive mail at home anymore, and have installed solid steel doors for protection.
Colin Hortman (left), son of Mark and Melissa Hortman, walks into the lobby of the Diana E. Murphy United States Courthouse before a sentencing hearing for Vance Boelter in Minneapolis, on Thursday. (Alex Kormann/Minnesota Star Tribune via AP))
"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."
They have also changed how they do everyday tasks because of their injuries. Mark Hortman's parents and siblings voice anger at Boelter and at the justice system.
MINNESOTA SHOOTING TIMELINE: SUSPECT VANCE BOELTER'S LAST WORDS TO FAMILY BEFORE CAPTURE
Minnesota state senators Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman were targeted in a shooting that left the former dead and the latter seriously injured. (AP Images)
"It will not offer me peace of mind that he will have room and board provided for the rest of his life, paid for by my tax dollars," said Lisa Hortman Bean, Mark's sister.
Boelter admitted he spent months stalking his targets before disguising himself as a police officer on June 14, 2025, and driving to their home and opening fire. He then exchanged gunfire with police while escaping on foot.
Members of the Hortman family come down the escalator into the lobby of the Diana E. Murphy United States Courthouse before a sentencing hearing for Vance Boelter in Minneapolis, on Thursday, July 23, 2026. (Alex Kormann/Minnesota Star Tribune via AP) (Alex Kormann/Minnesota Star Tribune via AP))
Boelter was arrested following a two-day manhunt.
During Boelter’s interview with investigators, he also referenced his Christian faith while discussing his sentiments toward the victims and their loved ones.
"You can maybe ask if somebody believes that, and they love God and that they love their neighbor – allegedly – how could they be involved in a situation where some people are no longer here that were here before?" Boelter asked, adding, "I’ll let you chew on that one."
Vance Boelter mugshot split with surveillance footage of alleged gunman (Sherburne County Sheriff's Office; Minnesota Department of Public Safety)
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Democratic State Rep. Kristin Bahner was one of two other legislators whose homes Boelter visited that night, but she and her family were on vacation.
"I could not fathom why I was spared and (Hortman) was not," she said. "You failed because I carry her with me. In my mind and in my heart, she guides me."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/vance-boelter-sentenced-shootings-minnesota-lawmakers-spouses