Thousands of mourners, including former U.S. President Joe Biden, converged on the minnesota state Capitol in St. Paul to pay their final respects to former House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. The couple was tragically killed earlier this month in a politically motivated attack at their Brooklyn Park home. This solemn occasion, where the Hortmans lay in state, marked several historic firsts for Minnesota and underscored the profound grief and growing concerns over political violence in the United States.
The public visitation on Friday, June 27, 2025, saw an estimated over 7,000 people filing through the Capitol’s Rotunda. A continuous stream of citizens, alongside state and national political figures from across the spectrum, offered tributes. The Hortmans’ caskets rested in the center of the rotunda. Poignantly, an urn containing the ashes of their beloved golden retriever, Gilbert, who was also shot in the attack and later euthanized, was placed between them. A canine honor guard of service dogs stood vigil, and other golden retrievers were present to offer comfort to visibly emotional mourners.
Melissa Hortman is the first woman in Minnesota history to lie in state at the Capitol. The decision to honor a couple, and include the remains of their pet, is unprecedented in the state’s tradition, which has previously been reserved for fewer than 20 prominent individuals, primarily former governors, U.S. senators, or military figures. This unique tribute reflected the community’s deep sense of loss and the perceived severity of the tragic event.
Former President Joe Biden arrived late in the afternoon. The public was briefly cleared for security. He spent moments in silent reflection before the caskets, making the sign of the cross and briefly taking a knee. Biden also interacted with service dog handlers present. Following his private moment, the Rotunda reopened, and the long line of mourners resumed. The viewing continued past its scheduled 5 p.m. end time to accommodate everyone waiting.
Melissa Hortman, a Democrat representing Brooklyn Park, served as House Speaker for seven years. Colleagues and constituents remembered her as an unflashy, effective leader focused on results. Governor Tim Walz called her the “most consequential speaker in Minnesota history” and his closest political ally. Her legacy includes significant legislative achievements during recent sessions, such as securing free school lunches, enacting paid family and medical leave, passing gun regulations, and authoring major transportation bills. She was also known for her advocacy for people with disabilities and collaboration with tribal nations. Mourners described her as “reasonable,” “nice,” “considerate,” and “funny,” highlighting her caring nature and ability to listen. Mark Hortman worked as a program manager at a tech firm. Friends recalled his passions for mountain biking, competitive pool, home beer brewing, and woodworking. He was remembered for his deep love for Melissa. The couple is survived by their two adult children, Sophie and Colin.
The tragic events unfolded on June 14. Authorities say a man impersonating a police officer shot the Hortmans to death at their home. Earlier the same day, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, also Democrats, were shot and injured at their home in nearby Champlin. Yvette Hoffman was released from the hospital on June 19. As of June 27, John Hoffman remained hospitalized but was improving, alert, walking, and able to eat. Former President Biden visited Senator Hoffman in the hospital during his trip to Minnesota.
Vance Boelter, 57, of Green Isle, is the man accused in both shootings. He surrendered the night after the attacks following what authorities described as Minnesota’s largest-ever search operation. Prosecutors allege the attacks were politically motivated. According to federal complaints, Boelter allegedly possessed a “target list.” This list reportedly contained the names of dozens of Minnesota politicians. Prominent state and federal figures, including Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, and State Attorney General Keith Ellison, were allegedly on the list. Axios reported the list also included lawmakers from other states.
Boelter made a brief court appearance on Friday, June 27, facing federal and state murder charges. He appeared in a padded suicide prevention suit. His public defender expressed concerns about his detention conditions at the Sherburne County Jail, citing sleep deprivation and difficulty communicating. Boelter denied being suicidal but told the judge he hadn’t slept well. The judge agreed to a delay in his hearing and a transfer to different detention conditions. Boelter has not yet entered a plea. Prosecutors must first secure a grand jury indictment. The potential federal charges could carry the death penalty, though this is rarely pursued and the state abolished its death penalty in 1911.
The attacks have intensified concerns about the safety of public officials. They are set against a backdrop of increasing political violence and extreme social and partisan polarization across the United States. Reverend Daniel Griffith, who led the funeral service, spoke of the nation’s need for healing. He described the current era as a “dystopian reality,” noting Minnesota had been “ground zero” for racial injustice and was now “ground zero place for political violence and extremism.” Despite this, he expressed hope that Minnesota could also become a “ground zero place for restoration and justice and healing.”
A private funeral service was held the following day, Saturday, June 28, at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. Over 1,000 mourners attended, including former President Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Tim Walz, and numerous state legislators from both major parties. Biden and Harris sat in the front row but did not deliver remarks. They participated in the service, holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer and embracing during the passing of the peace. Walz delivered a eulogy, honoring Melissa’s career and character and urging attendees to reflect on their own engagement in politics and life. Archbishop Bernard Hebda offered condolences. Colin Hortman, the couple’s son, spoke about his parents embodying the Golden Rule and read the Prayer of St. Francis. Governor Walz presented the children with U.S. and Minnesota flags that had flown over the Capitol. U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith were present at the viewing but faced potential conflicts with Senate votes for the funeral. Ordinary citizens attending the viewing and funeral expressed their deep grief and concerns about the nation’s division, stressing the importance of unity and compromise.
The Historical Significance of Lying in State
Lying in state is a rare and solemn honor. In Minnesota, this tradition has been reserved for a select few individuals deemed highly significant to the state’s history. Melissa Hortman is the first woman ever to receive this tribute in Minnesota. The decision to include her husband, Mark, and the ashes of their dog, Gilbert, marked the first time a couple or a non-human has lain in state at the Capitol. This unprecedented step underscores the deep impact of their deaths on the community and the state’s political landscape. It serves as a powerful symbol of collective mourning and remembrance.
Grief, Legacy, and Calls for Unity
The overwhelming turnout at both the lying in state and the funeral reflected the deep respect and affection many held for the Hortmans. Mourners spoke of the “void” left by their absence. Melissa Hortman’s legislative legacy was widely celebrated. The events prompted reflections on the state of political discourse and the need for healing. Leaders and citizens alike voiced fears for the safety of current legislators and called for a shift toward more respectful and constructive engagement in politics. The bipartisan attendance of prominent figures demonstrated a shared recognition of the tragedy and a moment of “humanity over partisanship,” as noted by Republican state Senator Julia Coleman.
The Investigation Continues
The suspect, Vance Boelter, faces serious charges. Federal authorities are prosecuting him first. The revelation of an alleged target list adds a chilling dimension to the case. It highlights the potential scale of the planned violence and raises urgent questions about security measures for elected officials. While friends have described Boelter as an evangelical Christian with conservative views, prosecutors have not publicly speculated on a specific motive beyond the alleged political nature of the attacks. The legal proceedings are ongoing and will determine the fate of the accused.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of Melissa and Mark Hortman lying in state?
Melissa Hortman is the first woman in Minnesota history to lie in state at the State Capitol. This rare honor is typically reserved for former governors, U.S. senators, and other significant figures. The inclusion of her husband, Mark, and the ashes of their dog, Gilbert, marked the first time a couple and a non-human have been accorded this tribute in Minnesota, highlighting the profound nature of their deaths and the collective grief.
Who is the suspect in the Hortman and Hoffman shootings, and what is the alleged motive?
The suspect is Vance Boelter, 57. Authorities allege he shot and killed Melissa and Mark Hortman after first shooting and injuring State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Prosecutors describe the attacks as politically motivated. Federal complaints allege Boelter had a “target list” including the names of dozens of politicians in Minnesota and other states. Boelter faces federal and state murder charges and is currently jailed, awaiting further court proceedings.
How are the attacks on the Hortmans and Hoffmans being discussed in the context of U.S. political violence?
The attacks have heightened concerns about political violence and polarization in the United States. Speakers at mourning events described the current era as a “dystopian reality.” While such targeted attacks on public officials are rare in Minnesota history, the incident has prompted widespread discussion about the need for increased security for elected officials and a call for greater unity, healing, and more respectful political engagement across the country.
