Melissa Hortman, husband honored at Minneapolis funeral
Share this @internewscast.com

Slain Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were laid to rest Saturday — weeks after they were killed in what authorities allege was a politically motivated shooting spree.

The private ceremony took place at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis and drew hundreds of mourners, including former President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Gov. Tim Walz, and dozens of state lawmakers. More than 1,900 people tuned in to the livestream.

“Melissa Hortman will be remembered as the most consequential Speaker in Minnesota history,” Walz said during his eulogy. “Millions of Minnesotans get to live their lives better because she and Mark chose public service and politics.”

Hortman, 54, and her husband were gunned down June 10 inside their Brooklyn Park home by Vance Boelter, who was a political appointee of Walz, and allegedly targeted the Hortmans as part of a planned series of attacks on Democratic officials, prosecutors said. The couple’s golden retriever, Gilbert, was also shot and later euthanized.

The couple’s closed caskets sat side by side at the front of the church, draped in blankets. Every pew was filled. Soft music played as family, friends and colleagues prayed and wiped away tears.

The service began around 11:30 a.m. and included scripture readings, prayers and emotional tributes to the couple’s public service and devotion to their family.

During the blessing, the priest called Minnesota “a ground zero place for political violence and extremism,” referencing both the killing of George Floyd and the recent attacks on state officials.

“This can be a ground zero for restoration and justice and healing, but we must work together,” he said.

Roughly 90 minutes before the double murder, Boelter allegedly opened fire on state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their Champlin home just miles away. Both survived despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

Boelter, 57, was arrested after a 36-hour manhunt — the largest in state history — and appeared in federal court Friday on two counts of murder, two counts of stalking and two weapons charges. Prosecutors say he could face the death penalty. A separate state trial could result in life without parole.

He remains in federal custody. 

His wife, Jenny, issued a statement Thursday offering condolences to the victims’ families and calling the killings “a betrayal of everything we hold true.”

Hortman was first elected to the Minnesota House in 2004 and served as Speaker for three terms. Her district included Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids and Champlin.

She is among the highest-ranking elected officials to be killed in recent years — part of a troubling rise in political violence nationwide. The couple is survived by two adult children, Sophie, 28 and Colin, 30.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Eerie surveillance video shows 'person of interest' in unsolved Ohio dentist murder case

Surveillance Footage Reveals ‘Person of Interest’ in Unsolved Ohio Dentist Murder Investigation

Surveillance footage has surfaced, offering a chilling glimpse into the mystery surrounding…
Chicago Bears fans buzzing ahead of playoff matchup with Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field

Chicago Bears Fans Electrified for Epic Playoff Showdown Against Rival Packers at Soldier Field

CHICAGO — For the first time since 2018, the Chicago Bears are…
2 stabbed on CTA Red Line platform at 69th Street on South Side, Chicago police say

Two Individuals Stabbed on CTA Red Line Platform at 69th Street, South Side, Report Chicago Police

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Monday night, a violent altercation occurred at a…
When Does ‘High Potential’ Return With New Episodes? Start Time, Where To Watch New Episodes of ‘High Potential’

When Will ‘High Potential’ Resume? Airing Schedule and Streaming Details for New Episodes

The excitement is palpable as ABC marks the return of some of…
Linda Kathleen Brown, missing Chicago Public Schools teacher at Robert Healy Elementary School, last seen in Bronzeville: CPD

Urgent: Chicago Teacher Linda Kathleen Brown Missing Since Bronzeville – Can You Help?

Linda Brown, a teacher from Bridgeport, has been missing for two days,…
Corporation for Public Broadcasting Cancels Itself: Votes to Dissolve to 'Protect the Future of Public Media'

Corporation for Public Broadcasting Votes to Dissolve: A Strategic Move to Safeguard Public Media’s Future

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has officially decided to disband, concluding…
Who’s who in Maduro case: The judge, prosecutors and defense lawyers now facing off

Key Players in the Maduro Case: The Judge, Prosecutors, and Defense Attorneys Engaged in Legal Battle

Nicolas Maduro, the former leader of Venezuela known for his far-left policies,…
Jacksonville police release bodycam video of officer-involved shooting during December standoff

Jacksonville Police Unveil Shocking Bodycam Footage of December Standoff Shooting

Newly released 911 recordings and footage from body cameras unveil the events…
Seattle leaders slammed for police order to stop prosecuting drug users

Seattle Leadership Criticized for Decision to Halt Prosecution of Drug Users

Seattle’s mayor is under increased scrutiny regarding her public safety strategy following…
Teen girl vanishes from South Carolina home, police fear she's in serious danger after monthlong search

South Carolina Teenager Missing: Authorities Concerned for Her Safety After Month-Long Search

A 16-year-old girl has vanished under mysterious circumstances from her residence in…
Operation Big Fix: Clinic launches free spay and neuter program for Duval County dogs

Duval County Clinic Introduces Complimentary Spay and Neuter Initiative for Dogs

In an effort to curb unplanned dog litters, EveryPet is broadening its…
New York nurses want a fair contract for themselves

NY Nurses Demand Justice: The Push for Fair Contracts in Healthcare

As the streets of New York City glow with festive lights, inside…