Who was Melissa Hortman? Minnesota lawmaker killed by fake cop along with husband in politically motivated attack
Melissa Hortman (May 27, 1970 – June 14, 2025) was a leading Minnesota Democrat, lawyer, and longtime state legislator who made a lasting impact on state politics and progressive policymaking.
She served as Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2019 to 2025 and was serving as DFL Leader during a rare power-sharing session in the state Legislature in 2025.
On June 14 Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in a politically motivated attack at their home by a gunman posing as a law enforcement officer. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also wounded in a similar attack that same morning.
The incident prompted a statewide manhunt and renewed focus on threats to public officials amid rising political tensions.
Born in Fridley, Minnesota, Hortman was raised in Anoka County and graduated from Blaine High School in 1988. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy, magna cum laude, from Boston University in 1991, followed by a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1995.
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Deepening her commitment to public service and leadership, she completed a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in 2018.
Elected to the House in 2004, she consistently represented her constituents in District 34B, covering areas like Brooklyn Park and Champlin. She rose to prominence for her leadership on transportation, environmental protection, clean energy, and education, notably chairing the Energy Policy Committee and helping to pass Minnesota's solar energy standards and community solar laws.
Outside of her legislative work, Hortman practiced law and held roles on several local commissions, including the Brooklyn Park Human Relations Commission. She also clerked for Judge John Sommerville and worked as an assistant county attorney in Hennepin County.
She lived in Brooklyn Park with her husband, Mark, and they had two children, Colin and Sophie.
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