I write political stories every day. Some are sharp. Some are funny. Some are biting with sarcasm — because let’s be honest, this country gives us no shortage of absurdity to dissect.
But this one?
This was one of the hardest stories I’ve ever had to write.
As I typed these words, my heart broke. And the tears streamed.
Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were gunned down in their own home this past weekend — the victims of a targeted, calculated attack. And if that wasn’t heartbreaking enough, their family’s golden retriever, Gilbert, a rescue and former service dog-in-training, was also shot during the same rampage. A few days later, Melissa’s children had to make the impossible decision to put Gilbert down.
He didn’t survive the bullet. And neither did the innocence.
More Than a Lawmaker
Melissa wasn’t just a public servant. She was a wife. A mother. A neighbor. A dog lover. A woman who saw potential in a golden retriever who didn’t quite meet the service dog standards — and kept him anyway, because she saw in him what most pet owners see: family.
As her colleague Rep. Erin Koegel shared, Melissa used to laugh that she was glad Gilbert failed his service training — it meant he got to stay home, with her. That’s the kind of person she was. The kind who didn’t just adopt a dog, but made him part of the rhythm of everyday life.
And now, he’s gone too.
A Chilling Manhunt
The man accused of carrying out this horrific crime is Vance Boelter, 57. According to law enforcement, he didn’t just target the Hortmans — he also attacked State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in a separate, but clearly linked, shooting that same night.
Boelter fled and triggered what police now call the largest manhunt in Minnesota history, hiding in the woods near his home before being captured.
He now faces multiple federal and state charges, including murder, stalking, and firearm-related crimes.
But legal charges don’t undo trauma. They don’t fix a broken family. And they don’t bring back two people who served their community — or the dog who guarded their home.
“She Needed Him in Heaven”
Helping Paws, the Eden Prairie nonprofit that trained both Gilbert and another dog named Minnie, posted a photo of Melissa and her dog in happier times. The caption was tender and gut-wrenching. It remembered Melissa not just as a public figure, but as a trainer, a volunteer, a foster mom, and a friend.
“Melissa loved that dog,” Koegel said. “She needed him in heaven with her.”
That one sentence… it says more than a thousand headlines ever could.
More Than a Headline
This tragedy isn’t just about politics. It’s about humanity. About the people behind the podiums. About the families behind the legislative votes. About a dog who never ran for office but stood by his people with loyalty and love.
The children of Melissa and Mark released a brief, beautiful statement to the public:
“Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do.”
That’s how they want their parents remembered — not with marches or soundbites, but with compassion. With small gestures. With everyday acts of love.
From Steadfast and Loyal
To the friends and family of Melissa and Mark Hortman — and yes, to those mourning Gilbert too — the Steadfast and Loyal family sends our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. We didn’t know you personally, but we know what you stood for: service, kindness, loyalty, and love.
Your legacy matters. And your loss is felt far beyond Minnesota.
One Final Thought
There are times to debate. There are times to criticize. But there are also times to be still and feel.
This is one of those times.
Rest in peace, Melissa. Rest in peace, Mark. And yes… rest in peace, Gilbert.
You all deserved better than this world gave you.
JIMMY
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h/t: Steadfast and Loyal