Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman's beloved dog also shot during attack, euthanized
MINNEAPOLIS (WJW/AP) — The family dog that belonged to Melissa Hortman, the Democratic Minnesota lawmaker shot and killed at her home in what was described as an 'act of targeted political violence,' was also shot during the attack and reportedly euthanized.
According to Helping Paws, Inc., Hortman fostered and trained dogs for the non-profit, including a golden retriever named Gilbert.
2 dogs, cat removed from Ohio home in deplorable condition
'They also helped raise and train Gilbert, a service dog in training who was eventually career changed and became a cherished member of their family,' a post on the organization's Facebook stated, along with a 2022 picture of Hortman and gilbert posing together.
According to People and ABC News, Gilbert was also shot when Vance Boelter allegedly donned a disguise, including a mask and a police uniform, and fatally shot Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday morning.
The Hortman's adult children then decided to euthanize the dog, ABC News reported, citing a post on X from Ken Martin, the chair of the Democratic National Committee.
A friend of the Hortman family, Emily Hill, who is the wife of Minnesota State Rep. Josiah Hill told People in an interview over the weekend that the news of Gilbert's death 'just makes things worse.'
Suspect in shooting of two Minnesota state lawmakers had planned to target two others
'It's just awful,' Hill said. '[Melissa] loved dogs and volunteered with dog rescues,' she told the publication.
Boelter, who is also suspected of shooting Sen. John Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, who lived just a few miles from the Hortmans, surrendered to police Sunday after they found him in the woods near his home following a massive manhunt that stretched over two days.
Authorities say he also shot Sen. John Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, who lived just a few miles away.
Federal prosecutors announced Monday that they charged Boelter, 57, with federal murder and stalking offenses. He already faces state charges, including murder and attempted murder.
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