Minnesotans Gather at State Capitol To Grieve Hortman Murders
The murders this weekend of state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, have sent shockwaves throughout Minnesota.
Many gathered outside a growing makeshift memorial at the state Capitol to pray, remember and grieve.
“It doesn’t feel real and I think we all are living a horror movie,” said Olivia Hitchcock-Willis, a former Minnesota legislative assistant, who stood at the memorial site.
The signs, flowers and other mementos displayed the sorrow felt, but also expressed gratitude for Hortman, who assumed the role of House speaker emerita this past legislative session when the House was at an even 67-67 split.
Jessica DeWeerth left a shirt from the gun violence prevention organization she’s a part of.
DeWeerth says Rep. Hortman was a strong advocate of the group.
“Speaker Hortman was a champion of our bills. She was a gun safety champion and we really wouldn’t have gotten those reforms passed without her energy and her leadership,” said DeWeerth.
Makeshift memorial displays image of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.
For former state Rep. Hunter Cantrell who visited the memorial site, Hortman was a friend and mentor.
“She was someone who had such a profound impact on me and who I respected with every fiber of my being, and loved dearly,” said Cantrell.
Cantrell said he wanted to pay his respects along with the rest of the state that is grieving.
“Words can’t describe just the depth of sorrow that I feel and I know so many of us feel,” said Cantrell. “So many people love and adored her and Mark.”
DeWeerth is embraced near the makeshift memorial.
