Slain lawmaker Melissa Hortman, husband Mark, and dog lie in state at Minnesota Capitol
The public has the opportunity on Friday to bid farewell to slain Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark and their dog, Gilbert — all of whom are lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda.
The public will be able to pay their respects from noon to 5 p.m., officials say.
Melissa Hortman is the first woman to ever lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol, and only one of nearly 20 people to ever have the honor.
Gov. Tim Walz was among the first mourners to visit the rotunda on Friday.
In a statement, Sen. Amy Klobuchar said, "A tearful morning at the State Capitol where Sen. Smith and I met with the Hortman family. Through their grief, Sophie and Colin were strong and determined to make sure everyone carries on their parents' legacy of public service and goodness. Seeing the caskets in the rotunda was heartbreaking but remembering all they did for the world is what we must do."
People began arriving before 10 a.m., standing on the Capitol steps to make sure they were in place for their chance to pay tribute to the lawmaker many say perfected the art of compromise — working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do what she thought was best for all Minnesotans.
"It's an honor to be here," said Julie Johnson, of Rochester. "Melissa was just such a giving, selfless servant for everybody. And I'm especially touched by the loss of Gilbert. To me, that underscores how senseless this was."
A private funeral for the Hortmans will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. beginning at 10 a.m.
On behalf of the Hortmans' children, Walz extended an invitation to former Vice President Kamala Harris. She will attend Saturday's services but will not be speaking.
Melissa Hortman served in the Minnesota House for 11 terms, representing District 34B. She also spent several years in the role of House Speaker.
Since her killing, many have been praising the former Minnesota House speaker's leadership. On Thursday, U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Delano, honored her on the House floor as a bridge builder.
"As speaker of the Minnesota House, she led with integrity and fostered bipartisan collaboration, even during the most challenging times in our state," Emmer said.
Suspected killer makes court appearance amid Capitol event
Vance Boelter, 57, is accused of killing the Hortmans and their dog inside their Brooklyn Park home in the early morning hours of June 14. He was arrested near his Sibley County home some 36 hours after the shootings. Officials say it was the largest manhunt in Minnesota history.
About 90 minutes before the Hortmans were killed, Boelter is accused of going to the Champlin home of Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and shooting him nine times. His wife, Yvette, was shot eight times. The Hoffmans are still recovering.
Boelter is charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office with two counts of murder, two counts of stalking and two weapons charges. Boelter may face the death penalty if convicted. He is also expected to face a state trial, and could face life without parole.
He attended his second federal hearing on Friday morning, where his defense team asked for and was granted a continuance, moving his detention and preliminary hearing to July 3.
The defense alleges Boelter is enduring poor treatment in the Sherburne County Jail in Elk River, Minnesota, where he has to sleep on a mat on the floor with lights on around the clock. He told the court he hasn't slept for nearly two weeks.
Boelter appeared in court wearing a green garment instead of an orange outfit, meaning he's on suicide watch. But Boelter told the judge on Friday, "I've never been suicidal. I'm not suicidal now."
"This violence does not at all align with our beliefs as a family"
Boelter's wife, Jenny Boelter, released a statement on Thursday through her legal team, saying her family is "horrified" by her husband's alleged actions.
"We are absolutely shocked, heartbroken and completely blindsided," said Jenny Boelter. "This violence does not at all align with our beliefs as a family. It is a betrayal of everything we hold true as tenets of our Christian faith."
This story will be updated.
