Dear neighbors,
On the morning of June 14, we were met with the shocking and heartbreaking news that Melissa and Mark Hortman had been assassinated in their home. Their golden retriever, Gilbert, was also killed in the attack. That same morning, the same individual attacked Senator John Hoffman, his wife Yvette, and their daughter Hope in their home and targeted many other state leaders as well. Our state is still grappling with the shock of this unthinkable political violence.
Melissa served more than 20 years in the Minnesota House, including six years as Speaker. She was sharp, principled, and deeply committed to her work at the Capitol. But what truly set her apart was how she led: with humility, a deep care for others, and a focus on solutions. She helped steer Minnesota through some of its most challenging moments – including the COVID-19 pandemic and the wake of George Floyd’s murder – and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people across the state.
Members of the public wishing to pay their respects are invited to the State Capitol rotunda this Friday, June 27 between noon and 5 p.m. when Melissa and Mark Hortman, along with Gilbert, will lie in state. Melissa will be the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to lie in state in the Capitol.
On Saturday, June 28 at 10:30 a.m., a private funeral will take place. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety will livestream the services on its YouTube channel.
The pain is far-reaching. Everyone who knew Melissa and Mark is hurting, but this tragedy is also a loss for everyone who believes in the value of public service and the power of our democracy. I’ve found comfort in the words of Melissa and Mark’s children: Sophie and Colin. While experiencing unthinkable grief, they offered the following suggestions to all of us on how to best honor the memory of their parents:
- Plant a tree.
- Visit a local park and make use of their amenities, especially a bike trail.
- Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do.
- Tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke and laugh about it.
- Bake something — bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa, and share it with someone.
- Try a new hobby and enjoy learning something.
- Stand up for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace.
As we honor the memory of Mark and Melissa, we also hold John, Yvette, and Hope Hoffman close in our hearts and continue to hope for their full and steady recovery.
This has been a difficult time and I’m grateful for the outpouring of support from our community. Let’s all do our part to move Melissa’s legacy forward through kindness, compassion, and a shared commitment to one another and to the future of Minnesota.
Thank you for the honor of serving our community,
Legislative website: www.house.leg.state.mn.us/64b
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