Minnesotans will be able to pay their respects to Melissa and Mark Hortman, along with their golden retriever Gilbert, as they lie in state at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul Friday from noon to 5 p.m.
The three were killed in an act of political violence on June 14 at their Brooklyn Park Home.
Melissa Hortman was a long-time DFL member of the Minnesota House. She served as House minority leader from 2017 to 2019, and Speaker of the House from 2019 to 2025.
The Hortmans and their dog were shot by a gunman in the early hours of June 14. Vance Boelter is charged with murder in their deaths. Police say he allegedly also shot State Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin, and his wife Yvette, who are both recovering from their injuries. The man also allegedly stopped by the homes of two other DFL lawmakers, who authorities say he also planned to target.
Gov. Tim Walz announced Tuesday that the Hortmans would lie in state, honoring Rep. Hortman’s long service to the state.
She will be the first woman to ever have this honor. Since 1905, 19 Minnesotans have laid in state at the Capitol.
The tradition is done to allow for the public to pay their respects.
A private funeral service for the Hortmans will take place Saturday at 10:30 a.m. A livestream of the funeral will be carried on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s YouTube channel.
For members of the public, here’s what you need to know about going:
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Public viewing at the Capitol will be open from noon to 5 p.m.
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The Capitol building will be closed to the public beforehand.
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Anyone in line at 5 p.m. will be allowed to pay their respects.
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The public can park in the public lots around the Capitol. More information on parking at the Capitol can be found here. The state is encouraging people to take public transportation, as parking can be limited.
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ADA access is available under the Capitol steps.
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The public should enter the building through the main doors up the Capitol steps on the south entrance of the building.
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The waiting line will be indoors.
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After going through the line, people can walk through the rotunda and can go up to the second floor to view the memorial set up outside the House chambers.
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There will not be a formal speaking program.
Minnesotans who have laid in state since 1905:
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1905 – William Colvill, State Representative, Minnesota Attorney General
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1909 – John Johnson, Governor
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1910 – Clarence Dinehart, State Treasurer
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1911 – Edwin A. Jaggard, Minnesota Supreme Court Justice
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1916 – Winfield Hammond, Governor
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1918 – Lyndon A Smith, Lt. Governor, Attorney General
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1921 – Pierre A. Hilbert, State Senator
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1923 – Knute Nelson, U.S. Senator, Governor
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1935 – Thomas Schall, Congressman, U.S. Senator
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1936 – Floyd B. Olson, Governor
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1937 – Frank B. Kellogg, U.S. Senator, U.S. Secretary of State, Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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1965 – Fay Child, State Senator
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1970 – Stafford King, State Auditor
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1978 – Hubert H. Humphrey, Vice President, U.S. Senator
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1979 – B. Robert Lewis, State Senator, first Black member of State Senate
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1981 – Nicholas Coleman, State Senator, Senate Majority Leader
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2001 – Harold Stassen, Governor, presidential candidate, UN Charter member, Eisenhower cabinet member
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2004 – Elmer L. Andersen, Governor
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2023 – Albert Quie, State Senator, Congressman, Governor
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2025 – Melissa Hortman, State Representative, Speaker of the Minnesota House, Mark Hortman, their dog Gilbert
