Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman was laid to rest on Saturday, alongside her husband, Mark Hortman, weeks after the couple was fatally shot in what authorities have described as a politically motivated assassination.
The Hortmans were killed in their Brooklyn Park home on June 14. That same day, Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also targeted and shot at their nearby residence. The Hoffmans survived.
On Friday, the Hortmans and their golden retriever—who also died in the attack—lay in state at the Minnesota Capitol rotunda, where thousands gathered to pay respects. Melissa Hortman, 55, became the first woman to be honored in this way at the state capitol.
A Democrat and longtime lawmaker, Hortman had served as speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2019. Following a bipartisan power-sharing agreement in February, she held the title of speaker emerita at the time of her death.
The funeral service, held Saturday morning at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, was attended by national political leaders including former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The private service was livestreamed for the public.
Delivering a eulogy, Gov. Walz described the Hortmans as close friends and praised Melissa as “the most consequential speaker in Minnesota history.”
“In this time of senseless tragedy, we’re all searching for meaning,” Walz said. “Perhaps that meaning lies in recommitting ourselves to civil discourse and fighting for what we believe in—fiercely, yes—but with humanity and respect, as Mark and Melissa did.”
Father Daniel Griffith, who presided over the service, read a letter from another clergyman urging national healing. He pointed to Minnesota’s recent history, including the police killing of George Floyd and now, politically driven violence.
“We’ve become Ground Zero not only for racial injustice but also for political extremism,” Griffith said. “Both are threats to human dignity—and to democracy.”
A Chilling Attack With Political Motives
Authorities say 57-year-old Vance Boelter, who has been charged in connection with the shootings, posed as a law enforcement officer to gain access to the victims’ homes. Wearing a vest, a blue shirt, and a fake badge, he allegedly executed a series of coordinated attacks that law enforcement believe were politically motivated.
Boelter has pleaded not guilty.
The killings triggered the largest manhunt in Minnesota history, involving over 200 officers. Boelter was found two days later, crawling through a field in rural Minnesota while armed. Authorities say they recovered a notebook with a hit list of political figures—many of whom were outspoken supporters of abortion rights. The list included officials from several states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, and Iowa.
Boelter’s wife released a statement through her attorney on Thursday, expressing horror and dismay.
“We are absolutely shocked, heartbroken, and blindsided,” she said. “This violence goes against everything we believe as Christians. Our hearts are heavy for the victims and their families.”
Political Violence on the Rise
The tragedy adds to a growing list of politically motivated attacks in the U.S. In recent years, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was targeted in a foiled kidnapping plot. Former President Donald Trump survived two assassination attempts during his 2024 campaign. In April, a firebomb was thrown at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence, allegedly in protest of his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hortman’s death prompted rare bipartisan unity, with leaders from both parties—including Trump—publicly condemning the attack and calling for an end to political violence.
