Brooklyn Park, Minnesota — The tragic death of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman has cast a shadow over the state, as she and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their home on June 14, an act labeled as politically motivated by local authorities. The couple, along with their golden retriever, will be laid to rest on Saturday. In a related incident on the same day, Democratic state Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also attacked but survived.
Hortman, 55, was honored at the Minnesota Capitol on Friday, where she became the first woman to lie in state at the rotunda, drawing thousands of mourners to pay their respects. Serving as speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2019, she was recognized for her pivotal role in state politics, later being dubbed speaker emerita after a power-sharing agreement with Republicans earlier this year.
The funeral service will be held privately at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis and will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. Among the dignitaries expected to pay tribute are former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. In his eulogy, Walz described the Hortmans as close friends and spoke highly of Melissa’s contributions to public service, labeling her “the most consequential speaker in Minnesota history.”
As the nation reflects on the dual tragedies of violence against public figures and the political climate, Father Daniel Griffith, who is leading the services, emphasized the need for communal healing. He mentioned the state’s historical struggles with racial injustice and called attention to the recent surge in political violence. Griffith urged attendees to confront these issues resolutely.
The investigation surrounding the Hortman case has revealed alarming details, suggesting a premeditated plot against several politicians, particularly those who have taken stands on contentious issues like abortion rights. Vance Boelter, the suspect arrested for the shootings, is accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer to gain access to the victims’ homes. He reportedly approached with a tactical vest and phony identification to carry out the attacks.
Law enforcement agencies conducted the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history for Boelter, enlisting over 200 officers. A journal discovered during the investigation contained a list of additional political targets extending beyond state lines into other Midwestern states, raising concerns about broader threats to political leaders.
In a statement on Thursday, Boelter’s wife expressed her disbelief and devastation, affirming that their family’s values are fundamentally opposed to such violence. She stated that the actions attributed to her husband have caused immense grief, adding, “This violence does not at all align with our beliefs as a family.”
This tragic event has sparked an unusual moment of solidarity among leaders from both major political parties, with strong denouncements of violence echoing from individuals across the spectrum. The increasing threat of politically motivated violence in the U.S. has prompted calls for introspection and unity within the political landscape.
The tragic killings have prompted not only mourning but also discussions about the political climate and the need for civility in public discourse. As Minnesota prepares to honor the legacy of Melissa and Mark Hortman, the community hopes for a path toward healing that honors their commitment to public service.