Vance Boelter was sentenced on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Minneapolis to two life terms plus 40 years after pleading guilty to federal charges related to the killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the critical wounding of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, according to court proceedings. U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim stated during the hearing that it was the longest sentence he has imposed after hearing thousands of cases over the years.
Federal Sentencing and Courtroom Reactions in Minneapolis
Boelter, 59, agreed to plead guilty in June—almost a year after the June 14, 2025, attacks—to avoid the death penalty, according to court records. Mark Hortman’s father and siblings voiced anger during the Thursday hearing that a death sentence was not an option, with sister Lisa Hortman Bean stating that the prison term would not offer her peace of mind while Boelter receives room and board paid for by tax dollars.
Survivors and Family Describe Enduring Trauma
Sen. John Hoffman testified at the Diana E. Murphy United States Courthouse that he and his family live with the physical and psychological reminders of the violence, having installed solid steel doors, stopped home mail delivery, and altered daily routines. Yvette Hoffman stated she has been too traumatized to work since the attack and sees a therapist weekly. Children of the victims, Sophie and Colin Hortman, shared detailed accounts of ongoing grief, panic attacks, and the absence of their parents from major life moments. Melissa Hortman’s father, Harold Haluptzok, expressed disbelief at the tragedy, while Democratic State Rep. Kristin Bahner—whose home Boelter also visited while she was on vacation—spoke about being spared from the attack.
State Prosecution Set to Move Forward
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