In the wake of a devastating incident that left Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, dead, their children, Sophie and Colin Hortman, are sharing their grief and the profound impact of their loss. In a heartfelt statement, the siblings expressed, "We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents, Melissa and Mark. They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can't believe they are gone. Their love for us was boundless. We miss them so much."
The tragic shooting occurred when a gunman, later identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, posed as a police officer and fatally shot the Hortmans. This act of violence also left two other victims, Minnesota Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, injured. Authorities have described the shootings as part of a politically motivated attack, raising serious concerns about the safety of public officials.
Boelter was apprehended after a two-day manhunt that ended early Monday. He is believed to have targeted the Hortmans shortly after attacking Senator Hoffman and his wife. The Hortman family has publicly thanked law enforcement for their quick response, which they believe prevented further tragedy. "Our family would like to thank law enforcement for their swift action that saved others and for the coordination across communities that led to the arrest of the man who murdered our parents," the statement continued. "We especially would like to thank the officers who were first on the scene to our parents' home and their heroic attempts to rescue our mom and dad."
Authorities revealed that Boelter had a disturbing list of 45 elected officials found in notebooks in his vehicle, indicating the potential for further violence. On the night of the shootings, he attempted to visit the homes of two other lawmakers. In one instance, the lawmaker was not home, while in another, police arrived just in time to see Boelter leave the area.
In their statement, the Hortman family emphasized the need for community solidarity in the face of such tragedy. "This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together," they stated. "Hold your loved ones a little closer. Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect. The best way to honor our parents' memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else."
To honor Melissa and Mark Hortman, the family suggested simple acts of kindness, such as visiting a local park, petting a dog, or sharing a cheesy dad joke. They concluded with a powerful message: "Stand up for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace."
Melissa Hortman was not only a dedicated legislator, serving as the highest-ranking Democrat in the Minnesota state house and a former speaker, but she was also passionate about the outdoors and animal welfare. She had helped raise two service dogs, one of which was adopted by the family. Tragically, their family dog, Gilbert, was also wounded during the shooting and had to be euthanized, adding to the family's heartbreak.
In the wake of this tragedy, the family of the two surviving victims expressed their gratitude, stating, "They are both incredibly lucky to be alive." The community continues to mourn the loss of the Hortmans while rallying together to promote love, kindness, and respect in their memory.
