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Honoring Melissa & Mark Hortman

Dear neighbors,

On Saturday, June 14, we all awoke to the devastating news that Melissa and Mark Hortman were assassinated in their home. Their golden retriever, Gilbert, was killed too. Senator John Hoffman, along with his wife Yvette and daughter Hope, were also targeted in an assault in their home the same morning by the same suspect. These actions of violence have shaken us deeply.

I am devastated by the loss of my leader, mentor and friend, Melissa, and her husband Mark. I would walk through fire to follow Melissa. She was strong and steadfast, she believed in cutting through to the essence of what was important. She never wavered from placing the people of Minnesota at the center of our work. I am so grateful to Mark and her children for lending her to us in service. I know your grief and sorrow is immense. I wish you solace and comfort in knowing God lent us all an incredible gift in the form of these two beautiful souls.

Bahner Hortman

Melissa served over 20 years in the House and was our Speaker of the House for six of those years. She was a brilliant and dedicated legislative leader who was passionate about her state, her community, and particularly, her family. While Melissa served in an important position at the State Capitol, she didn’t seek the spotlight. Instead, she was more interested in getting things done to improve the lives of Minnesotans.

Melissa led some of the most consequential work in our state’s history, guiding us through the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing needed change following the murder of George Floyd, and championing numerous transformational investments and policy changes to make Minnesota work better for everyone. But rather than taking the credit herself, she worked to empower others to lead and lifted up their work.

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Capitol Visitation and Funeral

*Members of the public wishing to pay their respects are invited to the State Capitol rotunda this Friday, June 27 between noon and 5 p.m. when Melissa and Mark Hortman, along with Gilbert, will lie in state.* Melissa will be the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to lie in state in the Capitol.

*On Saturday, June 28 at 10:30 a.m., a private funeral will take place. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety will livestream the services on its* *YouTube channel* [ [link removed] ]*.*

Melissa and Mark Hortman Funeral

The pain is far-reaching. Everyone who knew Melissa and Mark is hurting, but this tragedy is also a loss for everyone who believes in the value of public service and the power of our democracy. I’ve found comfort in the words of Melissa and Mark’s children: Sophie and Colin. While experiencing unthinkable grief, they offered the following suggestions to all of us on how to best honor the memory of their parents:


* 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.

I continue to keep my dear friend Senator Hoffman, his wife Yvette, and his daughter Hope, in my constant thoughts and prayers. I know we will once again spar in the halls of the Capitol my friend, I look forward to the next great debate.

These weeks have been surrounded by so much grief and fear. This senseless violence came to my door as well, placing me and my family in harm’s way. I do not know why this man was filled with such hatred that he would come to my door. Thankfully, my family changed our plans at the last minute and were not home, keeping us safe.

I want to thank my Chief and the lead detective on my case and the entire Maple Grove Police Department for their excellent care allowing us to continue to feel safe in our own home. I want to thank the countless members of law enforcement who played a role in ensuring this man will face justice.

I am thankful for my incredible neighbors who watched vigil over my home and my family. I am thankful to all of those in our community who have reached out to me in these weeks to check-in, with kindness and respect, from all across the political spectrum. Your care and humanity have given me much hope throughout all the darkness.

There is no answer to this senseless violence. I know Melissa would have grounded us in how we come together to lean on one another, find a way to lift each other up, and strengthen Minnesota for all of our neighbors.

I know for my part my resolve to honor her legacy by serving my state and my community remains steadfast, and unwavering. My response to bad trouble visiting my door will be met with good trouble. I will continue to lead for my community and work to improve the lives of all Minnesotans.

We will not let fear or division win. Melissa has set a high bar, placing the work in our hands to make the world a better place. Let’s all commit to living up to Melissa’s legacy by relying on kindness, care, love for one another, and love for Minnesota.

Sincerely,

Kristin Bahner
Your State Representative

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Representative Kristin Bahner

5th Floor, Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar St.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Phone: 651-296-5502
Email: [email protected]
Website: [link removed]
Legislative Assistant: Christopher Olendorf - 651-297-5492







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