KEY INFORMATION:
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Sophie and Colin Hortman respond to the tragic shooting deaths of their parents, Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman.
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The siblings describe their parents as “the bright lights at the center of our lives.”
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Vance Boelter, the suspect, has been arrested and charged in connection with the double homicide.
The children of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman have broken their silence following their parents’ tragic deaths in a deadly shooting.
The couple, Melissa and Mark Hortman, were fatally shot on Saturday, June 14, in what Governor Tim Walz described as a “politically motivated assassination.”
In a heartfelt statement obtained by PEOPLE on Monday, June 16, their children, Sophie and Colin Hortman, expressed the deep pain they are experiencing.
“We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents, Melissa and Mark. They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can’t believe they are gone. Their love for us was boundless. We miss them so much,” they said.
They also reassured the public:
“We want everyone to know that we are both safe and surrounded by loved ones. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and ask for continued privacy as we grieve.”
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The siblings referenced the two-day manhunt that led to the arrest of the suspected gunman, Vance Boelter. According to Reuters, Boelter faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder, as well as federal charges for stalking and murdering the Hortmans, and stalking and attempting to kill Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman.
Sophie and Colin extended their gratitude to law enforcement:
“We thank law enforcement for their swift response and coordinated efforts that prevented more loss of life. We are especially thankful to the first responders who arrived at our parents’ home and made heroic attempts to save them.”
In honoring their parents’ memory and legacy, the siblings shared:
“Our parents touched countless lives. They leave behind a powerful legacy of public service and community dedication that lives on in us, their friends, colleagues, and everyone who knew them.”
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Sophie and Colin also encouraged the public to celebrate their parents’ lives in meaningful ways:
“If you want to honor Mark and Melissa’s memory: plant a tree, visit a local park—especially a bike trail, pet a dog (a golden retriever if possible), or tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke. Bake Mark’s favorite bread or Melissa’s favorite cake and share it. Try a new hobby, and most importantly, stand up for what’s right, especially justice and peace.”
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They concluded their message with a call to action and a plea for unity:
“Hope and resilience must triumph over fear. Our parents lived with unwavering dedication to others. Let this tragedy bring us together. Hold your loved ones closer. Love your neighbors. Be kind. Be respectful. The most powerful way to honor our parents is to do one small thing to make our community better for someone else.”
