Hundreds of people gathered at Minnesota Capitol commemorates state Democratic deputies Wednesday night Melissa Hortman With her husband Mark Being killed At home Saturday night, authorities described it as a “political assassination.”
Some mourners reportedly brought flowers to the front of the memorial, while others carried candles. Tim Walzthe Governor of Minnesota stood out among the attendees of vigil and comfort, the Minnesota Orchestra’s brass band performance, According to the Associated Press.
Melissa and Mark’s son Colin Hortman hugged Walz and placed photos of her parents in the memorial. This is the first of several public vigils planned to honor the Hotmans before the funeral Report.
The vigil also features a string quartet, as well as a Native American drum circle. The participants sang amazing grace together.
The mourner stood “shoulder to shoulder” and also brought Hotman “flags, handwritten notes and other souvenirs.” A large blanket is placed on the ground and each MPR allows attendees to write messages.
A message from MPR reports said: “Melissa is a true mode of humility. She did not do the job to enhance her self, further her political career or gain fame and glory. She did this to improve people’s lives.”
The vigil organizer told attendees not to bring signs and decided not to hold a speech plan. Walz said Holtman should be in the state at the Minnesota Capitol.
The Hotman’s suspicious killer, Vance Boelteralso accused of murder in a state senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette at their home in Champlin near them. Boelter, 57, faces state and federal charges for fatal shootings.
The Hoffmans are recovering from their injuries. Boelter, who allegedly has a target list including other Democratic lawmakers and abortion rights advocates, said authorities Plan to assassinate them.
Participants, some of whom knew Hotmann or through her work, came from a variety of political backgrounds. As Zack Stephenson co-chairs the state legislative budget committee, he describes their friendship as he prepares to pay homage to Hortman a few hours before the vigil.
Stephenson said he met Melissa Hortman at the age of 18 and volunteered to run for the election. He worked closely with Hortman at the State Capitol and described her as a mentor.
“She is a leader who is not afraid to invest in other leaders. It doesn’t threaten her,” Stephenson told the Guardian.
Hortman prioritizes kindness in her work and told Democrats in 2023 that they should not feel kind about weakness. Stephenson recalls that they may be strong leaders and are still respectful and friendly.
“No one works harder than her,” Stephenson said. “That eternal value, being kind to people, working hard, caring for institutions more than partisan politics, is really important. People see it.”
Lynne Billing of St. Paul, Minnesota, told MPR she knew Melissa Hortman was “special and I know she really cared about people.”
“It’s just a huge loss, I’m just saying here that I’ll miss her,” Billing said.
While the memory of the Hotmanns comes from people of all political stripes, Donald Trump Say he won’t call Waltz and adds “waste time”, the Associated Press explain. Trump called Minnesota governor “smooth” and “beating” when ruling out Waltz’s call.
According to reports, I could call him and say, ‘Hi, how are you? ‘” Trump reportedly said. “That guy has no clue. He is one, he is a mess. ”
The governor hopes that Trump will “be the president of all Americans.” After the tragedy, the U.S. president usually contacts the governor and other state and local officials.
“This tragedy is not about Trump or Waltz,” said governor spokesman Teddy Tschann. “It’s about the Hotman family, the Hoffman family and Minnesota, and the governor is still focused on helping those three recovery.”
The Associated Press said Waltz did speak with JD Vance as well as former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Rachel Leingang contributes to the report
Health & Wellness Contributor
A wellness enthusiast and certified nutrition advisor, Meera covers everything from healthy living tips to medical breakthroughs. Her articles aim to inform and inspire readers to live better every day.
