Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, husband and their dog to lie in state at the Capitol Friday

The public may pay their respects to Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark and their golden retriever Gilbert, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, in the Capitol Rotunda. 

Hortman and her husband were killed on June 14 in what prosecutors say was a politically motivated assassination. The dog was injured and had to be euthanized. 

Hortman will be the first woman to lie in state at the Capitol.

A private funeral will be held on Saturday, but it will be livestreamed.

Melissa Hortman served in the Minnesota Legislature for two decades. The Democratic-Farmer-Labor legislator was beloved around the Capitol and is known for scoring major legislative victories including free school lunch for K-12 students, a new paid leave program and a mandate that Minnesota utilities use 100% carbon-free energy sources by 2040.

Sophie and Colin Hortman, the children of Melissa and Mark Hortman, issued a statement calling on people to honor their parents’ legacy by doing “something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.”

“Our parents touched so many lives, and they leave behind an incredible legacy of dedication to their community that will live on in us, their friends, their colleagues and co-workers, and every single person who knew and loved them,” the Hortman children said.

Hortman enters a distinguished group of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to lie in state at the Capitol; the ceremony is a high honor for Minnesotans who have dedicated their lives to public service.

Members of the public who attend may enter through the main doors using the Capitol’s front steps and pay their respects in the Rotunda. A memorial outside the House chamber on the second floor will also be accessible.

There are several parking lots nearby, but space is limited. Officials encourage visitors to take public transit. People in line by 5 p.m. will still be allowed inside the Capitol.