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yesterday

Biden, Harris and Walz Attend Funeral for Slain Minnesota Speaker Melissa Hortman Alongside Husband

The Minneapolis service highlighted Hortman’s legislative legacy against the backdrop of a surge in targeted political attacks.

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President Biden made an unannounced visit to the public memorial Friday. Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, former Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, former US Vice President Kamala Harris, former US President Joe Biden, Gwen Walz, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz attend Melussa Hortman and her husband's funeral services. Alex Kormann/Pool via REUTERS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Overview

  • About 1,500 mourners attended the private ceremony at the Basilica of Saint Mary, which was livestreamed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
  • Former President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz sat in the front row to pay their respects.
  • Governor Tim Walz delivered a eulogy calling Hortman the most consequential speaker in Minnesota history and praising her collaborative spirit.
  • Suspect Vance Boelter remains jailed on state and federal charges that could carry the death penalty after allegedly killing the Hortmans and their dog and injuring state Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
  • On June 27, the couple and their golden retriever Gilbert lay in state in the Minnesota Capitol Rotunda, with Hortman becoming the first woman accorded that honor.