Judge sets July 23 sentencing for man who killed Minnesota House speaker and husband

A federal judge has set July 23 as the sentencing date for the man who pleaded guilty to assassinating Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. The proceeding will take place at the federal courthouse in Minneapolis. The defendant admitted to killing the Hortmans, wounding Minnesota state Sen.

John Hoffman and his wife, and attempting to shoot the couple's daughter on June 14, 2025. The Hoffmans were hospitalized for roughly six weeks.

Plea agreement details Under the plea deal, the defendant is expected to serve two consecutive life terms followed by 40 years in prison. The judge approved the agreement and expedited sentencing after federal prosecutors said they would not pursue the death penalty.

The defendant had been indicted on six federal charges, including stalking and murder through the use of a firearm. He had initially pleaded not guilty before entering the guilty plea earlier this month.

Additional charges and lawsuit The defendant also faces multiple state charges, including two counts of first-degree premeditated murder and four counts of attempted first-degree murder. A conviction on any first-degree murder count could result in life imprisonment without parole.

The Hoffman family filed a civil lawsuit against the defendant alleging assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Their adult daughter suspended her education due to emotional trauma from the attack, according to the lawsuit.

After the guilty plea, the Hoffman family stated there is no justice when their family and state will never truly heal. Federal and state authorities arrested the defendant following a 43-hour manhunt.