Biden Pays Tribute to Melissa Hortman Amid Tragedy \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Former President Joe Biden joined mourners Friday at Minnesota’s Capitol as former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband lay in state after their shooting deaths. Thousands, including Gov. Tim Walz and Biden, paid respects to the first couple—and dog—to receive this honor. Meanwhile, the suspect appeared briefly in court, wearing a suicide-prevention suit and requesting a delay of his hearing due to jail conditions.
Quick Looks
- Biden joined the public in silent respect at the rotunda.
- Melissa and Mark Hortman, plus their dog, honored in historic ceremony.
- Shooting suspect appeared in court clad in a suicide-prevention suit.
- Defendant complained of sleep deprivation; hearing postponed.
- Investigation includes broader alleged targeting of Democratic lawmakers.
Deep Look
In a historic and emotionally charged ceremony, Joe Biden joined thousands of mourners at the Minnesota State Capitol on Friday to pay tribute to former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, both tragically killed in a politically motivated shooting. The tribute marked a series of firsts: Hortman became the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to lie in state at the Capitol, and the couple was honored alongside their golden retriever, Gilbert—the first time a dog has been commemorated in this way.
The rotunda was transformed into a space of reverence and reflection, with the Hortmans’ two caskets and Gilbert’s urn placed solemnly at the center beneath the Capitol dome. Law enforcement officers stood vigil as a steady stream of mourners—many of them tearful—filed past. Among the first to arrive were Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen. Governor Walz described Hortman as his most trusted political ally and a fierce advocate for equity and public service.
Former President Biden, a practicing Catholic, arrived later in the afternoon. Approaching the velvet rope in front of the caskets, he made the sign of the cross, paused for a silent moment, and knelt briefly before rising to greet attendees. His visit, though brief and wordless, resonated deeply with those present and symbolized the national gravity of the loss.
Lisa Greene, a Brooklyn Park resident who didn’t share a district with Hortman but lived in the same city, was one of many members of the public who waited to say goodbye. “She was just amazing,” Greene said, struggling through emotion. “She was a leader. She was accessible. You could talk to her. She was a boss.”
The Capitol remained open to the public from noon until 5 p.m., with officials promising entry to anyone still in line after closing. House TV livestreamed the viewing. A private funeral for the Hortmans will be held Saturday morning, with both Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris expected to attend. Neither is scheduled to speak, though Harris has already expressed personal condolences to Hortman’s adult children and spoken with Governor Walz, her 2024 running mate, on behalf of the family.
A Twisted Hearing
As Minnesotans gathered in mourning, the man accused of killing the Hortmans and wounding a Democratic state senator and his wife appeared in court. Vance Boelter, 57, of Green Isle, arrived in a green padded “suicide-prevention” suit and orange jail-issued slippers. Unshaven and visibly distressed, Boelter stood before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko for what was expected to be a routine appearance.
His court-appointed attorney, Manny Atwal, asked the judge to delay further proceedings, citing Boelter’s deteriorating mental and physical state. Atwal said Boelter has been deprived of sleep for nearly two weeks due to round-the-clock lighting in his cell and unsanitary conditions—including a neighboring inmate who spread feces on the wall. Boelter, speaking softly, told the judge he had not slept in “12 to 14 days” and insisted, “I’ve never been suicidal and I am not suicidal now.”
Atwal requested that Boelter be moved to segregation and provided with standard jail attire to restore a measure of dignity and improve communication with his legal team. Judge Micko agreed. Prosecutors did not object to the delay and also acknowledged concerns about his confinement. Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Joseph Thompson later clarified that authorities do not believe Boelter has attempted suicide.
The Federal Case Ahead
Boelter has not entered a plea yet. Prosecutors must first obtain a federal grand jury indictment before formally arraigning him. The charges stem from what Thompson has described as “a political assassination,” an attack that has shaken Minnesota’s political establishment and drawn national attention. Boelter faces federal murder charges that could carry the death penalty—although Minnesota abolished the practice in 1911 and has not seen a federal execution in the modern era.
Evidence against Boelter includes video footage of him outside the Hortmans’ home, the sound of gunfire, and surveillance showing him dressed as a law enforcement officer while approaching the homes of two additional Democratic lawmakers. Federal officials say Boelter had a list of dozens of political targets, including Democrats from outside the state.
The federal government is expected to take the lead in prosecuting Boelter. However, he also faces state charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder, which could result in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole if convicted. State prosecutors have indicated they will seek their own grand jury indictment as a procedural step.
More Victims and Potential Targets
Authorities believe Boelter began his rampage by shooting and wounding Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home in Champlin. He then traveled just a few miles to Brooklyn Park, where he fatally shot Melissa and Mark Hortman and wounded Gilbert, who had to be euthanized later due to the severity of his injuries.
Prosecutors allege that Boelter stopped at the homes of at least two other Democratic officials and had compiled a broader target list. Though his motivations remain formally unexplained, acquaintances have described Boelter as a conservative evangelical Christian. Prosecutors have declined to speculate publicly about ideology or intent, pending further investigation.
As the nation grieves with Minnesota, the attack has revived urgent conversations about the safety of public officials, the role of political extremism, and how to protect democratic institutions from violent threats. For now, the focus remains on honoring the legacy of Melissa Hortman—a woman celebrated not only as a political leader but as a symbol of grace, strength, and public service.
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