A federal judge in Minneapolis handed down two life sentences plus an additional 40 years on Thursday to Vance Boelter, the man responsible for a targeted spree of violence that claimed the lives of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. The sentencing follows a guilty plea entered by Boelter in June, a legal move made specifically to avoid the possibility of the death penalty. While U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim noted that this was the longest sentence he had ever imposed across thousands of cases, he told the courtroom that such a punishment was deserved given the brutality of the crimes.

The proceedings were marked by raw emotion as survivors and grieving family members detailed how their worlds were shattered nearly a year ago. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who were both critically wounded during the attacks, described a life now defined by trauma and hyper vigilance. Senator Hoffman spoke of installing steel security doors and avoiding receiving mail at home, while Yvette recounted the harrowing memory of bleeding out on her laundry room floor. Both shared that despite surviving physically, they continue to live with permanent injuries and a profound sense of fear that permeates every aspect of their daily routines.

Boelter had previously admitted to spending months stalking his victims before executing his plan while disguised as a police officer. His path of destruction extended beyond those he killed; Representative Kristin Bahner testified that she was among several other legislators Boelter visited that night, though she had been spared only because she was away on vacation. For many in attendance, however, the lack of a death sentence remained a point of contention. Mark Hortman’s sister expressed deep frustration and anger that Boelter would have his basic needs met by taxpayers for the remainder of his life rather than facing execution.

Amidst the anger and grief, the children of Melissa and Mark Hortman focused on honoring their parents’ legacies as loving figures who touched countless lives. Their daughter Sophie shared heartbreaking memories of their family dog, Gilbert, who was also shot during the attack, while their son Colin spoke about the void left at his recent wedding where his mother should have been baking the cake and dancing with him. Though Boelter succeeded in taking their lives, friends and colleagues emphasized that he failed to erase the lasting impact Melissa Hortman left on her community and state government.