Hundreds of people gathered outside the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul at dusk Wednesday for a candlelight vigil held in remembrance of slain state Rep. Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband, Mark.
The Hortmans were gunned down at their home over the weekend by a shooter impersonating a law enforcement officer, surveillance video showed. Suspect Vance Boelter, 57, was arrested late Sunday and faces multiple state and federal murder charges.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive in the attack, but Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), who attended Wednesday’s vigil, has described it as “politically motivated.”
Boelter is also accused of shooting and seriously wounding state Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife, Yvette, shortly before the Hortmans were killed. Authorities said Boelter had notebooks that named dozens of lawmakers in what’s thought to be a “hit list.”
The Associated Press reported there was no speaking program at the tearful remembrance ceremony Wednesday. Videos of the gathering showed throngs of people on the Capitol’s steps and lawn, quietly holding candles as a string quartet played somber music.
Hortman, 55, was a prominent lawmaker, serving as state House speaker for six years of her more than two decades in office.
The AP reported that an impromptu memorial sprang up outside the Capitol after the killings with flowers, American flags, photos and personal notes with thankful messages.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
