MINNESOTA (TNND) — The beloved rescue dog of Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband was also killed on Saturday when a gunman showed up at their home dressed as a police officer and allegedly shot them.

Rep. Erin Koegel, who has been a member of the Minnesota House since 2017, said on X that one of the first things their children had to do after learning their parents had been murdered was put down the family dog.

"Gilbert wasn't going to survive. Melissa loved that dog," Koegel said. "She trained him as a service dog. He flunked out of school and she was so happy he failed so he could stay! She needed him in heaven with her."

Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was taken into custody on Sunday night when he "peacefully" surrendered to police near his home in Green Isle after two days on the run.

Helping Paws Inc. shared a photo of Hortman on Facebook with Gilbert alongside a message about the lawmaker's volunteer work training service dogs for veterans and being a Helping Paws Foster Home Trainer.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to their families, their loved ones, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss," the organization wrote. "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."

Evidence found in Boelter's SUV made it "pretty clear" that he was planning these attacks for quite some time," but his motivation is still unclear, according to acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson.

The Department of Justice said several notebooks were found that included the names of dozens of Minnesota state and federal elected officials, along with their home addresses.

Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were targeted before the Hortmans and survived the shooting.

The Hoffman family told WCCO in a statement on Monday that they "are incredibly lucky to be alive."

“First and foremost, John and I hold a deep and profound gratitude for the work of our law enforcement agencies and the public for their help in bringing the suspect to justice, while diligently keeping our communities safe during this extremely difficult and senseless event.

“John and I are both incredibly lucky to be alive. We continue our healing journey and are humbled by the outpouring of love and support our family has received from across the state and our nation.

“There is never a place for senseless political violence and loss of life. We are devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark (Hortman), and our hearts go out to all those who knew and loved them both. We are always at our best when we unite together.”

Boelter faces a state charge of first-degree murder and six federal charges, including stalking, shooting the Hoffmans and Hortmans with a firearm and two counts of murder connected to the Hortmans' death.