Melissa Hortman, a former Minnesota House speaker, was shot and killed on June 14 along side her husband, Mark. According to
Advocate, they were in their house alone when someone disguised as a policeman murdered them. The suspect ran on foot, leaving behind his car and a list of names of people who supported abortions. The police eventually caught the man on June 15, and he is now in custody, according to
Minnesota Reformer. The authorizes revealed the suspect to be Vance Boelter, an anti-abortion extremist who allegedly was willing to kill for his beliefs.
Enough about him, though, Let’s remember one of the victims of his brutality: Melissa Hortman.
Who was Melissa Hortman?
Hortman was a major politician in Minnesota, advocating for legal abortions, gender-affirming healthcare, paid leave, and so much more.
After
Roe v. Wade was overturned back in 2022, Hortman made sure that Minnesota had its own law legalizing abortion, which she did through passing
the PRO Act in 2023. During that same year, Hortman helped pass several pieces of legislation which banned gay conversion therapy and protected gender-affirming care. She also helped support a paid leave program, calling that work “the most rewarding” aid she has ever provided.
Hortman did so many things for her fellow community, making change for the better and improving their lives through whatever way she could. Gov. Tim Walz, in the same
Advocate article, says Hortman “served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor and a sense of service … She is irreplaceable and will be missed by so many.”
Their children, Sophie and Colin Hortman, state in a
People article, “We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents… They were the bright lights at the center of our lives … Their love for us was boundless. We miss them so much.” Fortunately, they are in a safe environment with people they trust, and I hope they have time to grieve and heal.
In the same article, the Hortman siblings also encouraged people to appreciate family (found or biological), a good sentiment. Please take time to be grateful and look what all is good in the world. It will help overcome the hopelessness that has entered our lives.
Rest in Power, Melissa and Mark Hortman. We all will truly miss you both.
Photos Courtesy of Social Media 
