Biden pays respects as former Minnesota House Speaker Hortman, killed in shooting, lies in state

ST. PAUL, Minnesota — A National Mourning

In a poignant gathering, former President Joe Biden commemorated the life of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, whose caskets lay in state in the Minnesota Capitol rotunda. This somber occasion drew thousands of mourners, all while the man accused of her tragic death appeared in court, clad in a suicide prevention suit.

A Historic Honor

Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, holds the distinction of being the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to receive the honor of lying in state. She was joined in this unprecedented tribute by her husband, Mark, who was also a victim of the June 14 attack, alongside their beloved golden retriever, Gilbert, who had to be euthanized due to severe injuries. This event marked a historic moment, as it is the first time a couple and their dog have lain in state at the Capitol.

Public Grief and Reflection

The Hortmans’ caskets and Gilbert’s urn were placed in the rotunda’s center, beneath the Capitol dome, while law enforcement officers stood vigil. Thousands of mourners lined up to pay their respects, many visibly emotional as they passed by.

Among the early attendees was Governor Tim Walz, who referred to Hortman as his closest political ally, accompanied by his wife, Gwen. Biden’s visit later in the day was marked by a moment of silence as he paid his respects, making the sign of the cross before kneeling briefly at the caskets.

The Capitol was open to the public from noon until 5 p.m. on Friday, with officials allowing anyone still in line at 5 to enter. The viewing was livestreamed by House TV, and a private funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, which will also be available for streaming via the Department of Public Safety’s YouTube channel.

Political Tensions and Legal Proceedings

Biden is expected to attend the funeral, along with former Vice President Kamala Harris, though neither will speak publicly. Harris had previously expressed her condolences to Hortman’s adult children and communicated with Walz, her running mate for the 2024 Democratic presidential ticket, who extended the invitation on behalf of the Hortman family.

Brooklyn Park resident Lisa Greene, who lived in the same area as Hortman but in a different House district, shared her reasons for attending: “She was just amazing. Amazing woman. And I was just so proud that she represented the city that I lived in. She was such a leader. She could bring people together. She was so accessible.” Greene’s admiration was palpable, adding, “But, she was also a boss. She just knew what she was doing and she could just make things happen.”

A Courtroom Drama

The accused, Vance Boelter, 57, faced a brief court appearance on Friday, charged with what federal prosecutors have described as “a political assassination.” After an extensive search, Boelter surrendered near his home on June 15, following what authorities deemed the largest manhunt in Minnesota history.

In court, an unshaven Boelter appeared in a green padded suicide prevention suit and orange slippers. His federal defender requested a hearing delay, citing his sleep deprivation from being on suicide watch in Sherburne County Jail, a situation that has made communication difficult. Boelter expressed his lack of suicidal thoughts to the judge, stating, “I’ve never been suicidal and I am not suicidal now.”

The attorney highlighted the harsh conditions he faced in jail, describing a “Gumby suit” without undergarments, constant bright lights, and an unkempt environment that included a neighboring inmate spreading feces on the walls. The judge agreed to transfer Boelter to segregation for better living conditions and communication.

The prosecution did not object to the delay, sharing concerns about the jail conditions as well. The acting U.S. attorney for Minnesota, Joseph Thompson, later affirmed he did not believe Boelter had attempted suicide.

Continuing Legal Battles

Boelter did not enter a plea during the hearing. Prosecutors must first secure a grand jury indictment before he can formally plead. Video evidence reportedly shows Boelter outside the Hortmans’ home at the time of the shooting, with audio capturing the gunfire. Security footage also allegedly depicts Boelter approaching the homes of other lawmakers dressed as a police officer.

His lawyers have remained tight-lipped regarding the charges, which could carry the federal death penalty. It’s worth noting that Minnesota abolished the death penalty in 1911, and there hasn’t been a federal death penalty case prosecuted in the state in modern history, according to available data.

Additionally, Boelter faces distinct murder and attempted murder charges in state court, potentially resulting in a life sentence without parole, pending the county prosecutors’ own indictment for first-degree murder. However, federal authorities plan to proceed with their case first.

Targeted Political Violence

Authorities allege that Boelter not only shot and wounded Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their residence in Champlin before killing the Hortmans but also targeted two other Democratic lawmakers. Furthermore, prosecutors revealed that he had listed dozens of other Democrats, including officials from other states, as potential targets. Friends have described Boelter as an evangelical Christian with conservative political views, yet prosecutors have refrained from commenting on a possible motive.