‘He Shot the Dog Too’: MAGA Gunman Killed Democrat Leader and Her Beloved Rescue Pup

The children of slain Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman were forced to euthanize their mother’s golden retriever after the animal was critically wounded by the same gunman who took their parents’ lives in a political bloodbath.

In a gruesome twist to an already horrifying crime, Minnesota officials confirmed that Gilbert—the longtime family pet and one-time service dog trainee—was shot by accused killer Vance Luther Boelter in the same brutal rampage that left Melissa and her husband Mark Hortman dead.

“This man didn’t just assassinate a public servant. He shot her dog. The cruelty is staggering,” said Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee and a close personal friend of the family.

A Family Devastated

Melissa Hortman, 55, was a trailblazing Democrat and former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. She and her husband, Mark, 58, were gunned down early Saturday morning in their Brooklyn Park home, just outside Minneapolis.

Their two adult children were left to confront the unthinkable—not only the violent loss of their parents, but the devastating decision to put down Gilbert after the dog was shot during the attack.

“Gilbert wasn’t going to survive,” State Rep. Erin Koegel wrote on social media. “Melissa loved that dog. She trained him as a service animal. He flunked out of school and she was so happy he failed—because it meant he could stay with her.”

A Heartbreaking Goodbye

Hortman had been an active volunteer and trainer with Helping Paws, a Minnesota nonprofit that provides service dogs to veterans and people with disabilities. Gilbert had once been part of the program but ended up becoming the family’s full-time companion.

The organization mourned her death in a statement, calling it a “senseless tragedy” and praising Hortman for her dedication to helping others, both two- and four-legged.

Just hours before the news of Gilbert’s euthanasia was made public, Helping Paws had posted a message noting that they had no confirmed details on the dog’s condition. That changed when the family shared the heartbreaking update with Koegel, who in turn relayed it to the DNC.

A Suspect with Extremist Ties

The suspect, 46-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, was taken into custody late Sunday night after a statewide manhunt. According to sources close to the investigation, Boelter was heavily armed and had a documented history of right-wing extremism, anti-government rhetoric, and strong support for former President Donald Trump.

“He was the embodiment of violent political radicalization,” said one Democratic lawmaker familiar with Boelter’s social media presence. “And now two innocent people—and a dog—are dead.”

Political Leaders Respond

Martin, the newly appointed DNC chair and a Minnesota native, condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms.

“Melissa spent her life fighting for the rights of others—women, workers, families, animals,” he wrote on X. “To see her killed like this, along with Mark and even her dog, is beyond comprehension. This was a politically motivated act of terror.”

He added: “There is nothing patriotic about political violence. There is nothing pro-life about shooting a woman, her husband, and her rescue dog.”

The Department of Justice has not yet labeled the killings an act of domestic terrorism, but pressure is mounting from Democratic officials across the country to investigate whether political ideology played a role in Boelter’s motive.

Remembering Melissa and Mark

Melissa Hortman was widely respected across party lines for her commitment to environmental protection, education, and reproductive rights. Her husband Mark, though not involved in politics, was known as a quiet and supportive presence at public events.

“They were just good people,” said Rep. Koegel. “And now their kids are left with nothing but grief and trauma. They didn’t just lose their parents—they lost the family dog too. That animal was a piece of their mom’s heart.”

Boelter remains in custody and is expected to be charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder and felony animal cruelty. Prosecutors have not ruled out hate crime enhancements.

As the investigation continues, Democrats are calling on the nation to confront the rising tide of politically driven violence—and to remember not just the names of the victims, but the lives they built and the love they gave.

Even to a dog that failed his service test—but passed every test of loyalty.