In Loving Memory Of Melissa, Mark, And Gilbert Hortman | In Hopeful Tribute To Senator John And Yvette Hoffman

In Loving Memory Of Melissa, Mark, And Gilbert Hortman | In Hopeful Tribute To Senator John And Yvette Hoffman

Two weeks have passed since an unthinkable act of violence shattered the heart of Minnesota’s political and civic community.

On June 14, Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark Hortman, and their loyal family dog, Gilbert, were brutally taken from us in a senseless assassination—an act so grievous that words still fall short in capturing its magnitude. That very same day, Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also targeted and shot in a separate attack. Though they survived, their journey through multiple complex surgeries and ongoing recovery reminds us how close our state came to losing even more.

Yesterday, Minnesotans gathered under the solemn arches of the Capitol Rotunda, where Melissa, Mark, and Gilbert were honored in state, surrounded by sorrow, remembrance, and love. Today, we lay them to rest, committing them to eternity and lifting up prayers that their souls find peace far beyond the reach of violence.

Melissa Hortman was more than a political leader—she was a force for equity, compassion, and progress. Her voice, calm yet commanding, bridged divides. Her leadership inspired a generation. Mark, her steadfast partner, was a quiet but constant presence by her side, sharing in the weight of public service and the joys of family life. And Gilbert—ever loyal, always a comforting companion—was a symbol of their shared home and love.

Their deaths leave an aching void. But they also remind us what truly matters: kindness, community, service, and peace.

To Senator John Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman: your survival is a light in this darkness. Your resilience speaks volumes—not only about your strength, but also about the enduring spirit of Minnesotans. We pray for your continued healing and thank you for the courage you show, even in pain. Your story is one of hope rising against horror, of love defying hate.

Let this moment—this heartbreak—be a call to all of us. Let it move us not only to mourn but to rise. Let us pray, fervently and together, for the eternal rest of Melissa, Mark, and Gilbert. Let us lift up John and Yvette in strength and solidarity. But above all, let us pray for peace.

Peace on our streets.
Peace in our politics.
Peace in our hearts.

Minnesota must not become a battlefield. The United States must not become a war zone for opposing ideas. Let us reject violence—no matter the reason, no matter the grievance.

Let us build a political culture that honors dissent, cherishes debate, and protects human life.

Today, as the Hortmans are laid to rest, let us recommit ourselves to a higher calling: that never again will families pay such a price for public service, and that we, as a people, will choose peace, always.

May their memory be a blessing.
May their lives be a light.
And may peace—true and lasting—reign.

MinneapoliMedia