The children of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman have spoken out about their parents’ deaths.
On Saturday, June 14, the Hortmans were shot and killed in what Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz described as a “politically motivated assassination”.
Sophie and Colin Hortman said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE on Monday, June 16, that they are devastated and heartbroken by the loss of their parents, Melissa and Mark. They were the bright lights in our lives, and it’s hard to believe they’re no longer there. Their love for us was limitless. We miss them so much.
“We want everyone to know that we are both safe and with loved ones,” the pair said. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received, and we appreciate your respect for our family’s privacy as we grieve.”
The statement then referred to the two-day manhunt that resulted in the capture of alleged gunman Vance Boelter. Boelter was charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder, according to Reuters. Federal prosecutors also charged him with stalking and murdering the Hortmans, as well as stalking and shooting Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman.
“Our family would like to thank law enforcement for their swift action that saved others and for the coordination across communities that led to the arrest of the man who murdered our parents,” the couple said. “We especially would like to thank the officers who were first on the scene to our parents’ home and their heroic attempts to rescue our mom and dad.”
In a tribute to their parents’ legacy in Minnesota, the siblings wrote: “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 coworkers, and every single person who knew and loved them.”
They also encouraged community members to honor their parents’ memories. “If you wish to honor the memory of Mark and Melissa, please consider the following: Plant a tree. Visit a local park and take advantage of its amenities, particularly a bike trail. Pet a dog. “A golden retriever is ideal, but any will suffice,” they explained. “Tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke and laugh together. Make something, like bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa, and share it with someone. Try a new hobby and enjoy learning. Stand up for your beliefs, especially if they are about justice and peace.”
The siblings concluded with, “Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear.” Our parents dedicated their lives to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become an opportunity for us to band together. Hold your loved ones closer. Love your neighbors. Treat one another with kindness and respect. The best way to honor our parents’ memory is to do something, no matter how small, to improve our community for someone else.
