Hundreds Pay Respects at Minnesota Capitol for Slain Rep. Hortman, Family, Dog

Thousands gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol to pay their respects to Representative Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert, who were fatally shot in a politically motivated attack. The couple, along with their dog, lay in state in the Capitol rotunda, with notable figures including Governor Tim Walz, Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Senate DFL Majority Leader Erin Murphy, and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith attending. The attack also involved an attempted murder on state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, with Vance Boelter charged in connection to both incidents. Melissa Hortman became the first woman to lie in state in Minnesota, an honor previously reserved for governors, senators, and other dignitaries. Former Vice President Kamala Harris was expected to attend the public viewing, invited by Governor Walz on behalf of the Hortman family. A private funeral was scheduled to be livestreamed, reflecting the deep impact of the tragedy on Minnesota's political community and the public.