Family and state leaders of both parties were among those who turned out Friday to pay their respects to former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband as they lay in state in the Minnesota Capitol.
A Brooklyn Park Firefighter stands guard over the coffin of Melissa and Mark Hortman as they lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda with their Golden Retriever, Gilbert in the State Capitol Building in St. Paul on Friday, June 27, 2025. Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, and her husband Mark and dog Gilbert were slain by in what has been called politically motivated attack. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
The Hortmans were fatally shot on June 14 at their home in Brooklyn Park in an attack authorities say was politically motivated. Their caskets and remains of their dog who was euthanized after also being shot, rested in the center of the Capitol rotunda.
After Hortman’s family, Democratic-Farmer Labor Gov. Tim Walz, Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Senate DFL Majority Leader Erin Murphy were among the first to pay their respects as the press observed.
A line of hundreds extended out of the first floor of the Capitol and down the mall before curving along the street. Among them were state lawmakers of both parties. The Minnesota State Patrol said it estimated thousands would attend.
Minnesota U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Tina Smith also visited the Capitol and met with the Hortmans’ children on Friday morning.
“Through their grief, Sophie and Colin were strong and determined to make sure everyone carries on their parents’ legacy of public service and goodness,” Klobuchar said in a statement. “Seeing the caskets in the rotunda was heartbreaking, but remembering all they did for the world is what we must do.”
Klobuchar returned to Washington, D.C., on Friday afternoon, as Senate Republicans may call a vote on a major budget package dubbed the “big beautiful bill” by President Donald Trump. Her husband, John, will attend the Hortmans’ funeral at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis on Saturday morning.
Melissa and Mark Hortman lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda with their Golden Retriever, Gilbert in the State Capitol Building in St. Paul on Friday, June 27, 2025. Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, and her husband Mark and dog Gilbert were slain by in what has been called politically motivated attack. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
Before the Hortmans, 19 people had lay in state at the Capitol. The first was Civil War veteran William Colvill in 1905. U.S. senators, eight governors and four state legislators also had the honor.
It wasn’t just lawmakers, lobbyists and family who lined up to see the Hortmans lie in state. Some members of the public came on their own to pay their respects.
Chris Katke, a high school and college basketball official, who taught exercise science at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, said she’s concerned about rising political violence.
“We have to do a better job of communicating and talking with one another to solve our differences,” said Katke, who votes but is not deeply involved in politics.“You have to learn to compromise, and I think that she was a phenomenal negotiator.”
Dave Woosley, a software engineer who lives south of Hastings, drove about an hour to wait in line and pay his respects. He’s said he’s not currently involved in politics, but was involved with former Gov. Jesse Ventura’s Reform Party many years ago.
“I wanted to show my fellow citizens that we need to come together during tragedies, and also to support not only Mrs. Hortman, but this institution as well,” he said. “There is a very loud division in this country, and people on the fringes are feeling empowered.”
People console each other as they pay their respects to Melissa and Mark Hortman as they lie in state in the State Capitol rotunda, along with their golden retriever, Gilbert, in St. Paul on Friday, June 27, 2025. Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, her husband, Mark and Gilbert were slain in what has been called a politically-motivated attack. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
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