It is hard to wrap your head around the fact that we’re even talking about this in 2026. Usually, when you think of political violence in the U.S., you think of history books or far-off places. But what happened to Melissa Hortman was different. It felt personal to a lot of Minnesotans. If you’ve been searching for melissa hortman killed by who, the answer is as chilling as it is straightforward: she and her husband were murdered by a man named Vance Luther Boelter.
This wasn’t just a random act of street crime. Honestly, it was a calculated, cold-blooded assassination that targeted the very heart of Minnesota’s government.
The Night Everything Changed in Brooklyn Park
The date was June 14, 2025. It was a Saturday morning. Most people in Brooklyn Park were probably just waking up, thinking about coffee or weekend errands. But at the Hortman home, a nightmare was unfolding.
Melissa Hortman, the Speaker Emerita of the Minnesota House, was at home with her husband, Mark. They had just attended the Humphrey-Mondale Dinner the night before. They were probably still winding down from the event. Around 4:00 AM, a man pulled up to their house. He wasn't driving a beat-up car or hiding in the shadows. He was driving a vehicle that looked exactly like a police cruiser. He was wearing a full police uniform. He even had a realistic silicone mask on to look like an older law enforcement officer.
When you ask melissa hortman killed by who, you’re talking about a guy who used our trust in the badge to get through the front door.
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Vance Boelter didn't just stop there. Before he ever got to the Hortmans, he had already attacked State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in nearby Champlin. The Hoffmans survived, barely. But by the time police realized what was happening and rushed to the Hortman residence, it was too late. There was a shootout at the house. Boelter managed to kill Melissa, her husband Mark, and even their beloved golden retriever, Gilbert.
Who Is Vance Boelter?
So, who is this guy? Vance Boelter was a 57-year-old Minnesota resident. He wasn't some mysterious foreign agent. He was a local man who had apparently become radicalized by political grievances.
When the police finally tracked him down after a massive two-day manhunt, they found a manifesto in his car. It wasn't just a rambling letter; it was a hit list. The list had about 70 names on it. We’re talking about abortion providers, advocates, and dozens of other state politicians.
It’s pretty terrifying when you realize how much planning went into this. He had the fake squad car. He had the body armor. He had the tactical gear. He was basically a one-man hit squad fueled by a "simmering rage," as Hortman herself had once described the political climate before her death.
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The Impact on Minnesota Politics
Melissa Hortman wasn't just any politician. She was a giant in the DFL (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) party. She’d been in the House since 2005. She was the one who helped pass the PRO Act, which protected abortion rights in Minnesota. She worked on paid family leave and universal school meals.
Her death left the Minnesota House in a total tailspin. Before the shooting, the House was evenly split 67-67. Her passing didn't just leave a hole in people's hearts; it left a massive power vacuum in the middle of a special session to finish the state budget.
Governor Tim Walz, who was a close personal friend of Melissa’s, called it an "unspeakable act of political violence." It’s the kind of thing that makes you look at your neighbors a little differently.
Key Details of the Attack:
- Location: Brooklyn Park and Champlin, MN.
- The Disguise: Boelter wore a silicone mask and a police uniform.
- The Weaponry: He was armed with multiple firearms and wore body armor.
- The List: A manifesto with 70 targets was recovered from his vehicle.
- The Casualties: Melissa Hortman, Mark Hortman, and their dog Gilbert.
The Legal Aftermath and Trial
As of early 2026, the legal wheels are still turning, but they’re turning slowly. Boelter was indicted on six federal charges, including the murders of the Hortmans and the attempted murders of the Hoffmans.
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There’s been a lot of back-and-forth in the courts. At one point, his lawyers said he couldn't even stand trial yet because he wasn't sleeping while on suicide watch. But the Department of Justice isn't letting up. Because it was a "targeted political assassination," federal prosecutors are involved, and they’ve made it clear that they are seeking the heaviest penalties possible.
What We’ve Learned Since 2025
Looking back from today's perspective, the death of Melissa Hortman changed how security works for state officials. You don't just see a "Speaker" walking around the State Fair alone anymore. The "Minnesota Nice" version of politics died that night in Brooklyn Park.
There’s also been a huge push for new laws. California, for example, recently introduced legislation to classify crimes based on political affiliation as hate crimes, specifically citing the Hortman assassination as a reason.
Honestly, the most heartbreaking part of the whole story—at least for the locals—was the funeral. Seeing Melissa, Mark, and their dog Gilbert all lying in state at the Capitol... it was a lot. Thousands of people showed up. Even former President Biden and Kamala Harris were there. It was the first time a woman had ever received that honor in Minnesota.
Next Steps for Staying Informed
If you’re following the trial or want to keep track of the legislative changes coming out of this tragedy, here’s what you should keep an eye on:
- Monitor the Federal Court Schedule: The trial for Vance Boelter is expected to be one of the most significant federal cases in Minnesota history. Local news outlets like KARE 11 and the Star Tribune provide daily updates when the court is in session.
- Watch the 94th Legislative Session: The "Hortman Legacy" bills are currently moving through the House. These focus on increased security for public officials and stricter regulations on the sale of decommissioned police equipment.
- Support Local Advocacy: Many of the organizations Melissa championed, specifically those focused on gun violence prevention and reproductive rights, have set up memorial funds in her name.
The question of melissa hortman killed by who is answered by the name Vance Boelter, but the why is something Minnesota will be processing for decades.