Mourners will gather on Saturday for the funeral of Melissa Hortman, a Minnesota lawmaker who was tragically killed in a shocking act of political violence. The ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. CT and will be livestreamed on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s YouTube page.
Hortman, a former speaker of the Minnesota House, and her husband, Mark, were shot in their Brooklyn Park home earlier this month. Authorities believe this was part of a planned series of attacks targeting Democratic officials. Their family dog, a golden retriever named Gilbert, was also injured and had to be euthanized due to the violence.
On Friday, the couple, along with their dog, was laid in state at the Minnesota Capitol, allowing the public to pay their respects. The funeral service comes just days after the couple’s deaths, which have sent shockwaves through the community and beyond.
Democratic state Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also attacked by the same suspect but survived, despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. The alleged shooter, Vance Boelter, has been charged with stalking and murdering the Hortmans, as well as attacking the Hoffmans. He is currently in federal custody.
In a heartfelt statement, Boelter’s wife expressed her shock and sorrow, stating that their family does not condone violence and feels betrayed by the actions of her husband.
Hortman’s assassination is part of a troubling trend of violence against political figures in the U.S. Recent incidents include an arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion and assassination attempts on former President Trump. Research indicates that political polarization in America is at an all-time high, leading to increased threats against lawmakers.
To honor their parents’ legacy, the couple’s children, Sophie and Colin, urged the community to connect with one another and make a positive impact, no matter how small. They believe this is the best way to remember their parents and their commitment to public service.