Former U.S. President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris attended the funeral of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman on Saturday, in a ceremony marked by grief, unity, and calls for justice. Hortman and her husband, David, were fatally shot last week in what authorities have classified as a politically motivated assassination.
The memorial, held at the Cathedral of Saint Paul, drew hundreds of mourners, including lawmakers, civic leaders, and members of the public. President Biden delivered a eulogy, calling Hortman “a tireless public servant and a defender of democracy in dark times.”
“Melissa stood for decency, for compassion, and for the quiet strength that keeps our democracy alive,” Biden said, his voice heavy with emotion. “She didn’t just believe in America — she worked every day to make it better.”
Vice President Harris, who served with Hortman on several bipartisan legislative initiatives during their time in office, also spoke, urging Americans to honor Hortman’s legacy by rejecting political violence and defending democratic values.
Tragedy Sparks National Outcry
Hortman, 54, was a longtime member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and former Speaker of the House. She and her husband were shot outside their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, in what investigators say was a targeted act. The suspect, a 42-year-old male with known affiliations to an extremist group, has been taken into federal custody.
Attorney General Merrick Garland confirmed that federal authorities are treating the case as domestic terrorism. “This was not just an attack on two individuals; it was an attack on public service, on democracy itself,” Garland said in a statement.
A Career of Service
First elected in 2004, Hortman was widely respected across party lines for her pragmatic leadership and dedication to education reform, environmental policy, and affordable healthcare. She stepped down from politics in 2023 but remained active in civic life until her death.
Her husband David, an attorney and community volunteer, was remembered as a “pillar of support” in her life and career. The couple is survived by two adult children.
Political Leaders Call for Unity
The funeral was attended by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and dozens of state lawmakers. Across the political spectrum, leaders condemned the violence and pledged to improve security for public officials.
“Let us honor Melissa not with silence or fear, but with purpose,” said Gov. Walz. “Her work must not end with her death.”
Nationwide Moment of Reflection
Flags across Minnesota were lowered to half-staff, and a moment of silence was observed in the U.S. Capitol. President Biden has reportedly asked the Department of Justice to expand federal protections for elected officials following a spike in threats over the past year.
As the nation reflects on the tragic loss, tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, constituents, and ordinary Americans. For many, Melissa Hortman’s name will be remembered as a symbol of service, courage, and the enduring fight for democracy in America.
