Former President Biden visited the Minnesota Capitol to pay respects to former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, who were killed in their homes during a “politically motivated” attack earlier this month.
Biden, a devout Catholic, made the sign of the cross and knelt to honor the victims of the attack. The couple lies in the rotunda for public viewing, making Melissa Hortman the first woman to lie in the rotunda of the state capitol. Biden and former Vice President Harris will attend the private funeral this Saturday, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
On June 14, Vance Boelter killed Hortman and her husband and shot Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife Yvette, leading to the largest manhunt in Minnesota history.
He also reportedly had a list of 45 other elected officials and traveled to the homes of multiple lawmakers on his list to “stalk” them.
This sparked outrage and fear among lawmakers who worry about the political divide within the U.S.
Hoffman is still recovering from his injuries.
After the attacks, members from both sides of the aisle condemn the violent episode.
“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America,” President Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
“Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in our nation. Elected officials must be safe to do their job on behalf of the people. The hate and division that dominate our political discourse must end,” Harris posted on X.
