Minnesota mourns former House Speaker and family in emotional funeral

Minnesota held a heartfelt funeral today for former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their golden retriever Gilbert. The service took place in Minneapolis, following the historic public lying-in-state ceremony at the State Capitol earlier this week, where thousands — including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris — paid their respects.

Governor Tim Walz delivered a moving eulogy, honoring the couple’s dedication to public service and their impact on the community. “Melissa and Mark lived their lives rooted in love, service, and unwavering commitment to this community. Their light will never dim, and their legacy will guide us all,” Walz said.

The Hortmans were tragically killed in a politically motivated attack on June 14, alongside State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who were wounded but survived. The accused shooter, Vance Boelter, has been charged with multiple crimes, including murder, attempted murder, firearms offenses, and stalking.

The public lying-in-state marked a historic moment as Hortman became the first woman and Gilbert the first non-human to lie in state in Minnesota. Thousands of people, including many dog owners who brought their pets to pay respects to Gilbert, visited the Capitol to honor the family’s memory.

The funeral brought together family, friends, elected officials, and community members in a solemn tribute to lives cut tragically short. As Minnesota continues to grapple with the impact of political violence, the memory of the Hortmans serves as a reminder of resilience and hope.

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