In a heartbreaking turn of events, the beloved golden retriever of a slain Minnesota lawmaker was euthanized after suffering fatal injuries during a vicious attack by a suspected assassin.

This tragic story unfolds with the loss of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and now their cherished pet Gilbert, all victims of a horrifying crime spree. As reported by the Daily Mail, the suspect, Vance Boelter, unleashed a wave of violence that has shaken the state.

The nightmare began on a quiet Saturday night when Boelter, allegedly posing as a police officer complete with a uniform and a vehicle decked out with police-style lights, entered the Hortman home in Brooklyn Park.

Tragic Loss of a Family Pet

There, he fatally shot Melissa Hortman, a prominent Democrat, and her husband Mark, before turning his weapon on their loyal dog, Gilbert, leaving the animal with injuries too severe to survive.

Gilbert, adopted by the Hortmans in January 2021 after failing out of service dog training, had become a cherished family member, a fact made bittersweet by state Rep. Erin Koegel's words: "Melissa loved that dog... she was so happy he failed so he could stay!"

That joy was shattered when the couple's children, grappling with the murder of their parents, made the agonizing decision to euthanize Gilbert, knowing he wouldn’t recover from the gunshot wounds.

A Wider Spree of Violence

The violence didn’t stop with the Hortman family; Boelter is also accused of targeting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, wounding them in a separate attack at their nearby home.

Authorities later uncovered a chilling list in Boelter’s possession, containing around 45 names of liberal lawmakers, abortion providers, and prominent figures, suggesting a broader, sinister plan to target those with progressive leanings.

Boelter, now facing two state murder charges and two attempted murder counts, along with federal charges for murder and stalking, allegedly sought to eliminate voices supporting policies like abortion rights—a stance that, while controversial, doesn't justify such barbaric acts.

Community Mourns a Devoted Leader

Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, condemned the cruelty, stating, "Vance Boelter shot the dog while assassinating Melissa and Mark. The cruelty knows no bounds." While one can question the left’s policy obsessions, this level of violence against a family—and even their pet—crosses every line of human decency.

Gilbert’s story, from a foster pup trained by Hortman through the Helping Paws shelter to a failed service dog turned family companion, paints a picture of warmth amid tragedy, a reminder of what was stolen in this rampage.

Helping Paws itself honored Hortman’s memory on social media, noting her "kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making the world better"—a sentiment that, while perhaps overly rosy to some, reflects a life dedicated to service.

Manhunt and Motives Uncovered

Boelter’s capture came after the largest manhunt in Minnesota history, involving hundreds of detectives and SWAT teams, ending with his surrender near Green Isle without further bloodshed, though armed at the time.

Investigators found damning evidence in his SUV, including assault rifles, a handgun, and that disturbing list of targets, hinting at a calculated hatred for those pushing a progressive agenda—though violence is never the answer to ideological disputes.

As Boelter awaits court proceedings, with charges likely to be upgraded to first-degree murder, the state grapples with the loss of a leader, a family, and even a loyal dog while questioning how such darkness could target even the innocent like Gilbert.