West Twin Cities

Minnesota State Representative Dawn Gillman (R-Hutchinson) has expressed her condolences following the deaths of Speaker-Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. In a message to constituents, Gillman described the week as one of the most painful and surreal she has experienced as both a Minnesotan and legislator.

"Like many of you, I was shocked and heartbroken by the devastating news of the tragic loss of Speaker-Emerita Melissa Hortman and her beloved husband, Mark. This senseless act of violence has shaken our entire Capitol community to its core. Melissa was more than a colleague—she was a dedicated public servant whose leadership touched lives across every corner of our state. Her voice in our chamber, her heart for her district, and her tireless work to build a better Minnesota will never be forgotten," Gillman stated.

Gillman extended sympathies to the family and friends of Hortman and asked for prayers during this time. She also called for support for Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who survived an attempted attack on their lives on the same day as the fatal incident involving Hortman.

"I also want to ask that you lift up Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in prayer. They are family to me through marriage, and they survived an attempted attack on their lives that very same day. I thank God they are still with us—but the trauma they endured is unimaginable. Please pray for their strength and for the long road of healing ahead," Gillman said.

She noted that Gilbert, the Hortmans' dog, also died during these events.

"We also grieve the loss of Melissa and Mark’s faithful dog, Gilbert. He, too, was part of their family—and I know that for many of us, the presence of a beloved pet is a deep and quiet comfort. His loss, too, is part of this heartbreak," she added.

Gillman shared words from Pastor Brent from Northfield that resonated with her during this period of mourning.

"In this season of mourning, that verse has taken on new meaning. We are not just called to keep peace—to preserve comfort or avoid conflict—but to make peace, even when it’s hard, even when it costs us something, even when it means standing in the gap during unimaginable grief."

She emphasized unity among Minnesotans regardless of political affiliation: "There are no Democrats or Republicans today—only fellow Minnesotans. We are neighbors, parents, colleagues, and human beings walking through sorrow together. Though we come from different perspectives, today we stand united in our prayers, in our heartbreak, and in our hope."

Reflecting on how best to honor those lost in these tragedies she wrote: "As we remember Melissa and Mark let’s not define them by the way their lives ended—but by the way they lived. Let us choose to honor them in how we carry ourselves moving forward: by choosing kindness by hugging our loved ones a little tighter by listening a little more patiently and by treating one another with compassion."

Gillman concluded with hope for healing within Minnesota: "Minnesota is mourning. The Legislature is mourning. I am mourning."

"But I believe with all my heart that light still breaks through—even now."

"May God bring comfort to those who are brokenhearted. May He give peace to those who are afraid. And may He give us as a state the wisdom to carry forward in love in unity and in memory of those we’ve lost."