(Minnesota Reformer) — Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman on Friday was surrounded by things she loved: She lay in the Minnesota Capitol, where she dedicated 20 years of her life, next to her husband Mark, her golden retriever Gilbert, leafy trees, bright flowers, and legions of Minnesotans whom she sought to help through public service.
Minnesotans lined up to pay their final respects to Hortman, who was killed on June 14 in a politically motivated assassination. Mark Hortman was also killed, and Gilbert was injured and had to be euthanized.
Melissa Hortman is the first woman in Minnesota history to lie in state at the Capitol, and the 20th Minnesotan to be awarded the honor. In the Capitol Rotunda, members of the Minnesota National Guard’s honor guard flanked the Hortmans’ wooden caskets. Photos of the couple and their dog were on display among the flowers and greenery.
Gov. Tim Walz and First Lady Gwen Walz were the first to pay their respects when the memorial opened to the public at noon. They were followed by Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth, her husband and Senate Majority leader Erin Murphy.
Thousands of Minnesotans followed, many of them part of the Hortmans’ vast network of friends, family and colleagues. Former President Joe Biden arrived at the Capitol late Friday afternoon.
Jennifer O’Rourke, director of government relations for Ramsey County, said her friendship with Melissa Hortman predated Hortman’s first election to the House in 2004.
“She deserves this,” O’Rourke said, gesturing to the line of Minnesotans wrapped around the block. Many brought flowers or letters to add to the memorial outside the House chambers, where extra tables were brought in to accommodate Friday’s contributions from the public.
Other mourners had no connection to the Hortmans, but came in solidarity at a perilous moment in the history of the republic and its 32nd state.
Carla Peck, 69, took work off to attend the memorial alongside her 2-year-old golden retriever Ollie.
Peck didn’t know much about the Hortmans until they were killed, but she thought it important to attend.
“I wanted to show respect and appreciation for what the Hortmans did for the state of Minnesota. I thought it’s important to bring my golden because goldens are great to share the love. Dogs are very healing,” Peck said.
Dave Woosley, 65, drove over an hour from Hastings to the Capitol to pay his respects. He didn’t know Melissa Hortman, but he had heard of the extensive amount of work she was able to get done in the Legislature.
“I thought it was important for our fellow citizens to see that we can all come together, whether we agree with her or disagree with her. Just have respect for not only Melissa, but this institution,” Woosley said.
Jeff Kolstad, 79, met Hortman in passing while doorknocking and respected her work on the environment. Flowers in hand, he stood in line with his dog Gracie, who “wanted to pay a tribute to Gilbert.”
A private funeral for the Hortmans will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. It will be livestreamed.
