Former Speaker Hortman and Husband To Lie In State At Minnesota Capitol Friday

Former Speaker Hortman and Husband To Lie In State At Minnesota Capitol Friday

ST. PAUL, MN – June 24, 2025 – Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, who were tragically killed in their Brooklyn Park home on June 14th, will lie in state at the Minnesota State Capitol on Friday, June 27th. This solemn honor, typically reserved for prominent figures in state history, will allow the public to pay their respects to the couple and their beloved Golden Retriever, Gilbert, who was also fatally wounded in the attack.

Governor Tim Walz announced today that the Capitol Rotunda will be open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday for visitation. Melissa Hortman will be the first woman in Minnesota history, and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans, to receive the distinction of lying in state. It will also mark the first time two individuals have lain in state simultaneously, and the first time an animal has been included in such a tribute.

The Hortmans were fatally shot in what authorities have described as a politically motivated attack. The incident also saw State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, shot and wounded in their nearby Champlin home in a related assault. Vance Boelter, 57, has been charged in connection with the shootings and was apprehended after a comprehensive manhunt.

A private funeral service for Melissa and Mark Hortman is scheduled for Saturday, June 28th, at 10:30 a.m. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety will provide a livestream of the private service on their YouTube channel for those unable to attend.

Since the devastating events of June 14th, a makeshift memorial of flowers, pictures, and notes has grown outside the House Chamber at the State Capitol, reflecting the deep sense of loss and grief felt across Minnesota.

MinneapoliMedia News will continue to provide coverage of the events honoring the lives of Melissa and Mark Hortman.

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