During the tragic shooting rampage that claimed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, their beloved golden retriever, Gilbert, was also shot and had to be put down a few days later. The dog, a rescue and service-animal trainee, became an unintended victim of the overnight attack at the couple’s Brooklyn Park home.
Gilbert had been under the care of the Hortmans after failing service training, becoming a treasured member of their family. Following the shootings, their adult children made the difficult decision to euthanize him due to severe injuries sustained in the incident.
The suspect, identified as 57‑year‑old Vance Luther Boelter, is accused of staging the assault while portraying himself as a police officer. Prosecutors say he targeted at least four Minnesota legislators that night, killing the Hortmans and seriously wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
Evidence recovered from Boelter’s abandoned vehicle includes a detailed hit list naming more than 45 political figures, extremist literature, weaponry, and police-style gear. Law enforcement conducted the largest manhunt in state history before arresting him. He now faces federal and state charges such as murder, attempted murder, stalking, and firearms violations.