Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, husband killed in attack

House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their home early Saturday morning.

Gov. Tim Walz announced the news during a morning news conference.

“Our state lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends,” Walz said. “Speaker Hortman was someone who served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor and a sense of service. She was a formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota. She woke up every day determined to make this state a better place. She is irreplaceable and will be missed by so many.”

Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin) and his wife, Yvette, were also shot in their home in a related attack. Walz said both are expected to survive.

In a statement, the House DFL Caucus said: “We are shocked and devastated at the shootings our colleagues, and at the assassination of our Speaker, Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. This is an unspeakable act of political violence that should never happen in the United States of America. 

“Melissa was an incredible leader who dedicated her life to public service. She led our caucus with integrity, grace, and with determination to improve people’s lives. … Minnesota is an immeasurably better state because Melissa Hortman chose to serve. Generations of Minnesotans will be better off thanks to her leadership. She was a dear friend to so many, and this caucus will miss her and Mark greatly.”

Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, pictured at Friday evening's Humphrey-Mondale Dinner. (Photo courtesy House DFL Caucus)

House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) said in a statement: "I am devastated by the loss of Speaker-Emerita Melissa Hortman. She was respected by everyone at the Capitol as a formidable advocate for her values and her caucus. She battled fiercely, but never let it impact the personal bond that we developed serving as caucus leaders.

“Few legislators have had as large an impact on the State of Minnesota, and she was a nationally recognized leader in energy policy. She has had a profound impact on this institution and on my own leadership.”

Also in a statement, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) said: “Melissa Hortman was a giant and a fierce leader. She made Minnesota a better place to live. Her commitment has saved and improved lives. I will miss her, her mirthful eyes, her sharp humor and her partnership. My heart breaks for her House colleagues and staff. My heart breaks for all of us.”

Hortman was first elected to the House in 2004 and served as speaker from 2019-2024.

 “My heart is broken over the events that unfolded overnight and the loss of life, security, and peace that we are all feeling right now,” Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) in a statement. “The families of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman are in my prayers. Senate Republicans are unified in our condemnation of this brazen act of violence.”

Law enforcement officials have said the suspect was impersonating an officer and driving a vehicle that resembled a police vehicle. A manifesto containing the names of other state politicians was found in the vehicle.

“We cannot and will not accept a nation where elected officials are targets of violent acts,” Tim Storey, CEO of the National Conference of State Legislatures, said in a statement.