Melissa Hortman died: American lawyer and politician Melissa Hortman died on June 14, 2025, at the age of 55 in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, U.S. On June 14, 2025, she and her husband were shot and killed at their home. In this attack, lawmaker John Hoffman and his wife were also injured. According to police, the suspect is a 57-year-old man.
Her full name was Melissa Anne Hortman, who was born on May 27, 1970, in Fridley, Minnesota, U.S. She served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2005 until 2025 and supported the Democratic Party. She was the 61st Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives and represented the northern parts of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. She grew up in Spring Lake Park and Andover and became interested in politics at the age of ten. She graduated from Blaine High School in 1988.
She completed her bachelor’s degrees in political science and philosophy from Boston University and earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School.
She served as assistant majority leader from 2007 to 2010, deputy minority leader from 2015 to 2016, and as minority leader from 2017 to 2019.
She was married to Mark Hortman, and they had two children, including Sophia (daughter) and Colin (son). Mark Hortman was 58 years old when he was killed along with his wife.
John Hoffman’s family stated, “Yvette threw herself over our daughter to shield her. That act of courage saved a life. We ask for privacy and prayers as they heal.”
House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth said, “No one should fear for their life while serving their community. Melissa was a strong voice, and Mark was always by her side this is a devastating loss.”
Governor Tim Walz stated, “This was a politically motivated assassination. We must all tone down the rhetoric before it’s too late.”
