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A memorial for Melissa and Mark Hortman | Source: Getty Images
Children of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and Her Husband Speak Out After Parents' Murders
Jun 20, 2025 - 09:13 A.M.
The lawmaker and her husband were fatally shot in their home in what has been described as a "politically motivated assassination." A suspect has been arrested and charged.
The children of the late Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Mark Hortman, released a statement earlier this week in the wake of their parents' sudden, tragic deaths.
House Speaker Melissa Hortman is pictured at DFL-Brooklyn Park on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Colin, 30, and Sophie Hortman, 28, published their statement on Monday, June 16, via PEOPLE. "We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents, Melissa and Mark," they began.
"They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can't believe they are gone. Their love for us was boundless. We miss them so much. We want everyone to know that we are both safe and with loved ones," they continued.
A makeshift memorial for DFL State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman is seen at the Minnesota State Capitol building on June 16, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota. | Source: Getty Images
"We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received, and we appreciate your respect for our family's privacy as we grieve," they penned.
Melissa and Mark were shot dead in their home on Saturday, June 14, by a man posing as a police officer, triggering a massive two-day manhunt for the suspect.
A memorial is seen on the desk of DFL State Rep. Melissa Hortman in the House chambers at the Minnesota State Capitol on June 16, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota. | Source: Getty Images
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Police arrested Vance Luther Boelter on June 15, charging him with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder. An investigation into his motive is underway.
In their statement, Sophie and Colin expressed gratitude for the law enforcement efforts that "led to the arrest of the man who murdered" their parents. They also encouraged their community to honor their parents' memories by doing little things that matter, like planting a tree, petting a dog, or baking a cake.
