Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home near Minneapolis on Saturday in what authorities are calling a politically motivated assassination. 4

Hours earlier, Hortman had shared a meal with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who recalled her longtime colleague as a no-nonsense leader with humor and heart. Klobuchar was informed of the tragedy early Saturday by Governor Tim Walz and later reflected on Hortman’s leadership style, work ethic, and inclusive approach during her years as Speaker from 2019 to early 2025.

The alleged killer, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, reportedly disguised himself as a police officer to carry out the attack. He also left behind a manifesto listing 70 political figures, including Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, and several congressional members. Boelter—who was previously appointed by Walz to a state board—was captured after a two-day manhunt. He is also accused of shooting State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, on the same evening; both survived.

The attack has heightened concerns about the surge in politically fueled violence. Klobuchar and other lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, are urging for greater security measures, especially for those recently named as potential targets. Klobuchar warned on CNN that political threats have soared—from 1,700 in 2016 to over 9,000 in 2023—and called for action to safeguard democracy: “I hope good people still run, or our democracy won’t stand.”