Only days after a gunman shot and killed Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, the family’s rescue dog, Gilbert, had to be euthanized. Vance Boelter, the alleged shooter, reportedly shot Gilbert during the attack at the Brooklyn Park home, where Hortman and Mark were killed. The incident has added to the grief surrounding the tragic loss of the couple, whose lives and work will be remembered for their dedication to public service and animal welfare.
Fellow Minnesota House Rep. Erin Koegel shared her condolences on social media, expressing how the family’s decision to euthanize Gilbert was a heartbreaking but necessary choice. Koegel emphasized that Hortman’s children had no other option but to put down the dog, as he was not expected to survive his injuries. Koegel also highlighted the deep bond between Hortman and her beloved pet, noting that she had trained him as a service dog and had a close relationship with the animal.
Helping Paws, a local nonprofit based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, also paid tribute to Hortman’s legacy. The organization, which she had trained dogs for, remembered her for her compassion and kindness. They noted that the Hortman family had contributed to the training of service dogs and that Gilbert had once been a career change for a working service dog and became a cherished part of the family. The group expressed their hope that the dog’s death would serve as a reminder of the couple’s contributions to the service dog community and their advocacy for animal welfare.
Meanwhile, the suspect, Vance Boelter, has been charged with multiple federal offenses, including two counts of murder, two counts of stalking, and firearm-related crimes. The shooting has led to a nationwide reaction, with many condemning the act as senseless violence that has shocked the public and political community alike. Boelter, 57, is currently in custody after a massive two-day manhunt in the woods near his home, where he was eventually captured by law enforcement officers. The attack has sparked a broader conversation about gun violence, domestic extremism, and the need for increased security for public officials.
The news has also raised questions about the emotional and psychological impact of such traumatic events on families and communities. As the investigation into Boelter’s motives continues, the nation is left to mourn the lives lost and reflect on the lasting effects of this tragedy on both personal and political levels. The legacy of Melissa and Mark Hortman, along with their beloved dog Gilbert, will be remembered for their unwavering commitment to service and compassion, leaving a profound mark on the people they touched and the community they served.