 Dear Friends and Neighbors, There are no easy words in a moment like this. On June 14, our state was shaken to its core. We lost Melissa and Mark Hortman to a horrifying act of political violence. Their golden retriever, Gilbert, was killed alongside them. Senator John Hoffman, his wife Yvette, and their daughter Hope survived an assassination attempt on their lives that same morning. These are events I hoped I would never have to speak about, let alone live through alongside my colleagues. Melissa was smart, strategic, and unwavering in her commitment to the people of Minnesota. She was a leader who knew how to get things done and build strong teams. She brought our state through some of its hardest moments with strength and compassion. She worked not for the spotlight but for results. Her legacy is immense, and her absence is immeasurable. I never met her husband Mark, but she would often mention him in the context of “Mr. Mark Hortman says….(insert something witty)” and I would think to myself that I like this Mr. Mark Hortman! I’m devastated that I’ll never get the chance to hear one of his quips in person. It was heartwarming to learn more about who he was and the positive impact he had on his family and our state. If you'd like to do the same, you can read this touching tribute written by his children, here. In the aftermath of the attacks, I learned that my own name and home address were among those listed in the assassin’s materials. I have three young children. This is not okay. It’s scary, disorienting, and deeply disappointing that choosing to serve the people of Minnesota now comes with this kind of risk. The cost should not be this high and our families should not be collateral. I am incredibly grateful to the Eagan Police Department and all local law enforcement who acted quickly and professionally to ensure my family’s safety and the safety of our broader community. Their presence has been a source of comfort and strength during an otherwise terrifying time. To those of you who checked in—thank you. Your messages, your concern, and your support have meant more than I can say. And to those asking how to move forward: I’m still asking myself the same question. Like many of my colleagues, I’m rethinking how I show up in community. I will continue to host events, visit schools and small businesses, and do the work – because it matters. But I am also now balancing every decision against my commitment to protect my children and loved ones. I hope you’ll understand if I approach this differently than I have in the months ahead. And yet, this tragedy has only firmed my resolve. Democracy must never be silenced by fear. Melissa understood that. She lived it. She led with courage and conviction, and I hope to do the same. It’s what she would want from us all. To honor the Hortmans’ memory, their children Sophie and Colin shared a list of things we can all do to carry their spirit forward. I offer it to you as well: - Plant a tree.
- Visit a local park and ride a bike trail.
- Pet a dog—a golden retriever if you can, but any will do.
- Share a cheesy dad joke with someone you love.
- Bake something and give it away.
- Try something new and let yourself enjoy learning.
- Stand up for justice and peace, even when it’s hard.
This is how we resist despair. This is how we keep moving forward.  Thank you for your care, your understanding, and your continued belief in the work we’re doing together. The road ahead is uncertain, but we are not walking it alone. With resolve and gratitude, Rep. Bianca Virnig Minnesota House District 52B |