Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman’s Children Break Silence On Parents’ Murder: ‘We Are Devastated’

Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman’s children are speaking out after their parents’ shocking murder. The former state House Speaker and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot at their home on June 14, and their two kids, Sophie and Colin, broke their silence on the tragedy in a statement obtained by multiple outlets three days later. “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,” the statement read. The pair went on to note that they are “both safe and with loved ones” and expressed gratitude for the “outpouring of love and support” they’ve received as they grieve. Sophie and Colin’s remarks come after Governor Tim Walz condemned the Hortmans’ deaths as a “politically motivated assassination.” A two-day manhunt led police to arrest suspected gunman Vance Boelter, who has been charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder amid accusations he also allegedly stalked and shot Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, both of whom survived. Boelter has yet to enter a plea. Sophie and Colin went on to thank the law enforcement officers dedicated to the case, and encouraged those in their community and beyond to honor their parents’ legacies through unity and compassion. “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,” their statement continued. “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.”