Minnesota Democratic Representative Melissa Hortman was killed in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, in a surprise attack at her home, along with her husband, Mark Hortman. Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also seriously injured at their home. According to Governor Walz, the perpetrator first went to the Hoffman family residence, then to the Democratic representative's apartment.
But who was Melissa Hortman?
Melissa Hortman was one of the most important figures in the Democratic Party in the state of Minnesota. She served as Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2019 to January 2025.
Born in 1970, Hortman was 55 years old and represented District 34B in the northern Twin Cities area of Minnesota. This area included the cities of Brooklyn Park, Champlin and Coon Rapids, as well as parts of Anoka and Hennepin counties.
He graduated from Boston University with degrees in political science and philosophy and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota School of Law. A lawyer by profession, Hortman was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2004.
She was married to Mark Hortman and they had two children, Colin and Sophie.