Minnesota lawmaker’s rescue dog Gilbert put down following family tragedy

Tragic Loss for Senator’s Family Following Attack

Days after a gunman killed Minnesota State Sen. Melissa Hortman and her husband, their beloved rescue dog, Gilbert, had to be euthanized. The dog, a golden retriever, was reportedly shot by Vance Belter during the attack at their Brooklyn Park home.

Rep. Erin Kogel took to social media platform X to share the heartbreaking news about the aftermath of the crime, expressing her condolences for the family.

Kogel noted, “Her children had to make the painful decision after their parents had been murdered. Gilbert was a support dog and meant a lot to Melissa. She had trained him herself. In a way, he joined her in heaven.” His loss is unimaginable for the family, which had relied on him for comfort.

The nonprofit organization Paws, based in Eden Prairie, shared memories of Gilbert along with photos of him with the Hortman family after learning of the tragic events. They remembered Melissa for her compassion and dedication to making her community a better place.

The statement from the organization conveyed, “Melissa served her community in so many ways, always striving to help others.”

Sadly, after the incidents, the family disclosed that they had to take the difficult step of saying goodbye to Gilbert. They reflected on the joy he brought into their lives, with a message encouraging others to cherish their pets: “One way to remember our parents is simply to pet your dog. Golden retrievers are the best, but any dog will do.”

Vance Belter, now 57, was apprehended following a major manhunt that lasted two days in the wooded area surrounding his residence. He faces serious charges, including two counts of murder, two counts of stalking, and related firearms offenses. Additionally, he has been indicted on a second-degree murder charge in Hennepin County linked to the deaths of Melissa and her husband, Mark.

The community continues to mourn this devastating loss, and as people come to terms with the situation, reflections on the lives of those lost reveal the pain of such senseless violence.