HR42

Melissa Anne Hortman was an American politician and lawyer who served as the 61st speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. A member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party. During her tenure, she advocated for transportation, environmental rights, abortion rights, police reform, and gun control policies. She was also the chief author of the state's solar energy standard. On June 14, 2025, Hortman, her husband, and their golden retriever Gilbert were shot and killed at their home by a man impersonating a police officer. On the evening of June 18, a candlelight vigil was held on the Minnesota State Capitol steps. Minnesota lawmakers and Governor Walz and his wife attended. Melissa Hortman, Mark Hortman and the ashes of their dog Gilbert lay in state in the Minnesota State Capitol rotunda on June 27.[47][48][49] Hortman was the first woman to receive that honor. Joe Biden came through the line to pay respects to the Hortmans; Walz and his wife were among the first in line for the viewing. The funeral took place at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis on June 28. Attendees included former U.S. President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris, along with Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, First Lady Gwen Walz, Second Gentleman Tom Weber, and former Governor Mark Dayton