MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — On a warm and humid Saturday morning, loved ones gathered at The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis to mourn the tragic deaths of Minnesota’s former House Speaker, Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Mark Hortman, whose shocking killings earlier this month stunned the nation.
The private funeral for the couple was attended by prominent leaders, including former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz served as a pallbearer and delivered a heartfelt eulogy for the couple.
Remembering Melissa Hortman
Governor Walz praised Melissa Hortman as “the most consequential speaker in Minnesota history,” while sharing personal memories of their close friendship and her political talents. “I get to remember her as a close friend, a mentor, and the most talented legislator I’ve ever known,” Walz said.
Hortman, a prominent Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) representative, and her husband were shot and killed on June 14 in what authorities have described as a “politically motivated assassination.” The alleged gunman, Vance Boelter, was arrested after a 43-hour manhunt.
Grieving Community, Powerful Words
Father Daniel Griffith, pastor of The Basilica of Saint Mary, delivered emotional remarks about the tragedy, stating, “We have been the Ground Zero place for political violence and extremism… but this can be a Ground Zero place for restoration and justice and healing.”
Mark Hortman was remembered by his children as a hobbyist with a passion for mountain biking, making furniture, and telling dad jokes. Father Griffith noted that Mark had a big smile and a curious mind, loved by all who knew him.
Walz recalled the Hortmans’ joyful home, where Melissa would mix margaritas and bake cakes, while Mark would tend to his sourdough starter, and their golden retriever, Gilbert, waited eagerly for food scraps.
A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Friendship
Close friend Robin Ann Williams spoke during the service, describing the Hortmans as lighthearted and loving, always supporting one another. She fondly remembered how Mark was never intimidated by Melissa’s political achievements and was always proud of her. “We are buried in sorrow right now,” Williams said, fighting back tears. “But I do believe that we will experience joy again and Mark and Melissa would not want it any other way.”
A Heartbreaking Farewell
The couple leaves behind their two children, Colin and Sophie, who paid a tender tribute by draping funeral palls over their parents’ caskets before they were carried to the altar.
Governor Walz reflected on Hortman’s legacy, noting her tireless work in championing policies that improved education, expanded clean energy, and helped provide affordable housing. “Melissa understood that better than anybody I knew,” he said. “Her mission was to get as much good done for as many people as possible.”
Tributes Continue as Suspect Appears in Court
After the funeral, mourners gathered for a ceremony, many wearing pins with tree or shrub symbols, a tribute to Hortman’s love of nature. A private family burial will take place at a later time.
On Friday, President Biden visited the Minnesota State Capitol, where the Hortmans’ bodies lay in state. He joined other visitors paying respects, including visiting Senator John Hoffman and his wife at the hospital, as Hoffman recovers from injuries sustained in the same attack.
Meanwhile, the suspected gunman, Vance Boelter, appeared in court on Friday, facing federal and state charges including murder, firearms offenses, and stalking. He could face the death penalty if found guilty. Boelter had been arrested following one of the largest manhunts in Minnesota’s history.
Boelter, who appeared in court wearing a safety smock, requested a continuance due to alleged jail conditions that made it difficult for his attorney to communicate with him. His complaints were dismissed by the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, which called his remarks “offensive and disgusting,” stating that security footage showed Boelter resting peacefully in his cell.
A Shocked and Heartbroken Family
In her first public statement since the attacks, Jenny Boelter, Vance’s wife, expressed her deep sympathy for the victims’ families. She described her family as “absolutely shocked, heartbroken, and completely blindsided” by the violent incident. In her statement, Jenny said, “This violence does not at all align with our beliefs as a family.”
She also reiterated her family’s cooperation with authorities and thanked them for apprehending her husband before further harm was done.
As new details about the investigation emerge, Boelter’s actions continue to shock the community, with the investigation into his involvement in the murders ongoing.
