Senator Jordan Rasmusson's Header Image

June 18, 2025

 

Remembering Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman

I'm deeply heartbroken by the assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. The violence that unfolded is both shocking and tragic. As we wait for answers, may we hold each other close and pray for peace in our communities. 

 

A Statement from the Children of Melissa and Mark Hortman

“We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents, Melissa and Mark. 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. 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.

“Our family would like to thank law enforcement for their swift action that saved others and for the coordination across communities that led to the arrest of the man who murdered our parents. We especially would like to thank the officers who were first on the scene to our parents’ home and their heroic attempts to rescue our mom and dad.

“Our parents touched so many lives, and they leave behind an incredible legacy of dedication to their community that will live on in us, their friends, their colleagues and co-workers, and every single person who knew and loved them.

“If you would like to honor the memory of Mark and Melissa, please consider the following:

  • Plant a tree.

  • Visit a local park and make use of their amenities, especially a bike trail.

  • Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do.

  • Tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke and laugh about it.

  • Bake something — bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa, and share it with someone.

  • Try a new hobby and enjoy learning something.

  • Stand up for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace.

“Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. Our parents lived their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer. Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect. The best way to honor our parents’ memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.”

 

Praying for John and Yvette Hoffman

Please keep John and Yvette Hoffman in your prayers as they recover from this horrific attack. I am so grateful for the heart and passion John brings to his work at the Capitol. He has shown me what true bipartisanship looks like - respecting all voices and believing that everyone has a valuable perspective to share. 

 

Contact My Office

I want to hear from you, my constituents, on issues that are important to you! Please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have. You can contact my office at [email protected] or 651-296-4875.

 

With Gratitude,

Senator Rasmusson's Signature

Senator Jordan Rasmusson

District 9

Unsubscribe from future updates