Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman’s Husband and Dog to Lie in State; Alleged Killer Faces Court Appearance

Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman will lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol rotunda on Friday, following the court appearance of the man suspected of her murder. Hortman and her husband were tragically killed in what authorities have described as a politically motivated assassination at their Brooklyn Park home on June 14.

In a historic honor, she will be the first woman to lie in state at the Capitol, alongside her husband and their golden retriever, Gilbert, who was injured in the attack and later euthanized. Thousands of people are expected to pay their respects at the Capitol on Friday afternoon.

Notably, former Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Minnesota to attend the funeral services for the Hortmans. Harris reached out to the couple’s children to express her condolences and provide support.

She also coordinated with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who extended an invitation to the services on behalf of the family. Just prior to the public viewing, Vance Boelter, 57, who has been charged in the Hortmans’ deaths, appeared in court.

Dressed in an anti-suicide smock and surrounded by U.S. Marshals, he faced a hearing regarding potential bail.

This hearing was postponed at the request of his public defender, who cited concerns about Boelter’s detention conditions, including his lack of proper sleeping accommodations and constant lighting in his cell. Boelter, who has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of second-degree murder and attempted murder, is also charged with wounding Democratic state Senator John Hoffman and his wife on the same day.

A significant manhunt followed the shootings, representing one of the largest in Minnesota’s history. Authorities later found a notebook belonging to Boelter containing a hit list of politicians who supported abortion rights.

Meanwhile, Boelter’s wife addressed the tragedy for the first time, describing the events as a “betrayal” of their family’s values. The Hortmans’ children expressed their deep sadness over the sudden loss of their parents, stating they were the bright lights in their lives and that their absence is profoundly felt.