On the morning of Saturday, June 14, news broke that a man impersonating a police officer had shot Minnesota Democratic state Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette in their home in front of their daughter Hope, whose mother shielded her from the bullets.
Senator Hoffman was shot nine times and Yvette was shot eight times, but both survived.
The politically-motivated assassin then traveled to the home of Democratic state Representative and former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and shot and killed her and her husband Mark.
Care, concern, and tributes poured in after Minnesota Democratic Governor and former vice presidential candidate Tim Walz shared news of the shooting later that morning.
One organization that expressed their grief was Helping Paws Minnesota, a service dog training nonprofit. They shared a photo of Representative Hoffman and her dog Gilbert, a golden retriever.
They wrote:
"This morning, we learned of the tragic and senseless death of former Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark."
"Melissa served her community in more ways than one. She was a Helping Paws Foster Home Trainer, a neighbor, and a friend. The Hortman family raised and trained Minnie, who is now a working service dog partnered with a Veteran."
"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. At this time, we do not have confirmed information about Gilbert’s condition, and our thoughts are with him as well."
"We are also holding Senator John Hoffman and his wife in our hearts and wishing them a full and speedy recovery."
"Our deepest sympathies go out to their families, their loved ones, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss. We remember Melissa for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making the world better—both in public office and through her work with Helping Paws."
On Monday, Helping Paws Minnesota would share the news that Gilbert also died as a result of the assassin's attack.
Sharing several photos of Gilbert, they wrote:
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of Gilbert’s passing. We can confirm that he did not survive the attack at the Hortman family’s home early Saturday morning."
"This is a profound loss for the entire Helping Paws community. We are mourning the loss of two dedicated volunteers and one of our beloved dogs who once trained in our program."
"We’ve been deeply moved by the outpouring of support and compassion we’ve received. In response, we will soon make a formal announcement regarding the establishment of a fund in honor of the Hortman family and Gilbert. This fund will support our program placing service dogs with veterans and first responders living with PTSD."
"Thank you for holding this family—and our community—in your hearts."
Minnesota Democratic state Representative Erin Koegel shared that the Hortman's two adult children, Sophie and Colin, were faced with the difficult decision to euthanize Gilbert after learning he could not survive the gunshot injuries he sustained during the assassination of his owners.
Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin, a Minnesotan, shared the news on X.
Alyssa Golob, executive director with Helping Paws, told WCCO News:
"Their love for helping others, their love for doing something above themselves, is just living on every day with the gift that I got from their family."
Of the assassination, she added:
"It's evil on its own, and then you add in an innocent dog, and that's a certain kind of evil."
WCCO also spoke to Aric Elsner, the veteran who received Minnie, a black Labrador retriever the Hortman's spent two and a half years training.
Elsner said:
"She's just the greatest gift, and I've told many people, and I still say this, this dog saved my life."
Minnie lived with the family while Sophie Hortman began Minnie's hands-on training as a high school student. Her father, Mark, finished Minnie's training when Sophie left for college.
Representative Hortman's social media made it clear how much the Hortman's loved Gilbert, who reportedly proved too "happy-go-lucky" for service dog duties. Not all dogs can become service dogs, and Gilbert was too excited to meet people and play to be effective in the job.
One of Melissa Hortman's last posts on Instagram was of Gilbert enjoying a spring day in the yard.
In January 2021, she shared a photo on Facebook of Gilbert as a puppy.
Melissa Hortman/Facebook
And that December, Gilbert was front row for the family Christmas greeting.
Gilbert clearly enjoyed his life as a service dog training drop-out.
Representative Hortman even shared a bit of teething puppy mischief.
When the popular social media account We Rate Dogs heard of Gilbert’s passing, they shared their own tribute to the golden retriever and his owners, giving them all a 14 out of 10 rating.
They wrote:
"This is Gilbert. He was the family dog of the late Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. We've learned today that Gilbert was also killed during the targeted political assassination that took the lives of his humans. In addition to her work championing progressive legislation and expanding protections for abortion and gender-affirming care, Rep. Hortman was a volunteer with Helping Paws, Inc. The nonprofit trains and places assistance dogs with community members with physical disabilities, as well as veterans and first-responders with PTSD."
"The Hortman family raised Minnie, who is currently a working service dog for a veteran, and they were working on training Gilbert as well, but he decided to change careers and became their family pet instead. We extend our deepest condolences to the Hortmans' family and friends after this unspeakable loss. 14/10 for all. You can donate to Helping Paws in Gilbert's memory through [this link] ❤"
Friends, neighbors and strangers sent their condolences for Gilbert and his owners.
@weratedogs/Instagram
@weratedogs/Instagram
We Rate Dogs/Facebook
@weratedogs/Instagram
@weratedogs/Instagram
We Rate Dogs/Facebook
@weratedogs/Instagram
@weratedogs/Instagram
We Rate Dogs/Facebook
@weratedogs/Instagram
@weratedogs/Instagram
@weratedogs/Instagram
@weratedogs/Instagram
We Rate Dogs/Facebook
@weratedogs/Instagram
As one commenter noted, Sophie and Colin Hortman released a statement on Monday, which included ways to honor their parents.
It was shared on X by WCCO reporter Caroline Cummings.
Their third listed suggestion is:
"Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do."
statement from Sopie and Colin Hortman/@CaroRCummings/X
Rest in peace, Gilbert.
You were the goodest boy.
@An_Enemy_Within/X