House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were killed early Saturday morning. 🙏
ST PAUL, Minn. — Rep. Betty McCollum posted a photo of Rep. Melissa Hortman’s desk with flowers and a picture, and Gov. Tim Walz ordered flags to be flown at half staff to honor the former House speaker who was killed in what authorities called a targeted shooting Saturday morning.
McCollum’s photo showed an empty House floor with flowers, a photo and a gavel sitting on Hortman’s desk.
Earlier, Gov. Walz ordered all flags be flown at half staff immediately at all state buildings, while encouraging individuals, businesses and other organizations to do the same.
“Today Minnesota lost a great leader. A formidable public servant and a fixture of the state Capitol, Melissa Hortman woke up every day determined to make our state a better place,” said Governor Walz in a press release. “She served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, and tirelessness. Minnesota’s thoughts are with her loved ones.”
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner confirmed DFLer Hortman and her husband Mark both died from multiple gunshot wounds, the manner of which was homicide. Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also shot in their Champlin home around 2 a.m. Saturday. Their conditions are described as “wait and see” as of 4 p.m.
The suspect in the shooting, Vance Boelter, is thought to be trying to flee the area, authorities said. He is considered armed and dangerous and anyone who sees him is encouraged to call 911. The FBI has announced a $500,000 reward for information about Boelter’s whereabouts.
Hortman served in the Minnesota State Legislature since 2005. She served as Speaker of the House from 2019 to 2025.
Flags are ordered at half-staff immediately.
