Dear neighbors,
On Saturday, June 14, we were met with the heartbreaking news Melissa and Mark were murdered in their home in a senseless act of political violence. That same morning, Senator John Hoffman, his wife Yvette, and their daughter Hope were also attacked in their home by the same individual. These events have shaken us deeply, and we continue to collectively grieve.
Melissa served over 20 years in the House and was our Speaker of the House for six of those years. She was a brilliant and dedicated legislative leader who was passionate about her state, her community, and particularly, her family. While Melissa served in an important position at the State Capitol, she didn’t seek the spotlight. Instead, she was more interested in getting things done to improve the lives of Minnesotans. Rather than taking the credit herself, she worked to empower others to lead and lifted up their work.
Serving with her on the House DFL’s leadership team is an honor I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. Melissa led some of the most consequential work in our state’s history, guiding us through the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing needed change following the murder of George Floyd, and championing numerous transformational investments and policy changes to make Minnesota work better for everyone. Before she became DFL Caucus Leader, Melissa was among the first in the Legislature to elevate the issue of clean energy in the halls of the Capitol and shine a spotlight on the urgency of tackling climate change. She was the author of the law creating Minnesota’s Community Solar program and setting a solar energy standard for utilities. I was proud to have the opportunity to learn from her and carry forward the work she championed to protect the future of our planet.
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 their dog 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 remember Mark and Melissa, we also keep John, Yvette, and Hope Hoffman close in our thoughts, too, and offer wishes for a complete recovery.
Let’s all commit to living up to Melissa’s legacy by relying on kindness, care, love for one another, and love for Minnesota.
Sincerely,
Rep. Jamie Long
DFL Floor Leader, Minnesota House of Representatives