BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – The City of Brooklyn Park is commemorating the one-year anniversary of a tragic act of political violence that claimed the lives of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark Hortman, and their beloved dog Gilbert, while leaving State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman seriously injured.
In a statement issued Saturday, city officials reflected on the profound impact the tragedy had on the community and honored the enduring legacies of the Hortman family, as well as the resilience demonstrated by the Hoffman family in the aftermath of the attack.
Melissa Hortman dedicated decades of service to Brooklyn Park and the State of Minnesota. Before her election to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2004, she served on the Brooklyn Park Community Long Range Improvement Commission. During more than 20 years in public office, including her tenure as Speaker of the House, she earned widespread respect for her thoughtful leadership, integrity, and commitment to bipartisan collaboration.
Her influence on Minnesota’s public policy continues to be recognized. Colleagues recently renamed the state’s solar garden program in her honor, recognizing what many have described as her lasting and transformative impact on the state.
Mark Hortman was remembered as a warm, compassionate individual who easily connected with people. Friends and family recall his love for music, mountain biking, playing pool, and, above all, spending time with his family.
As a lasting tribute to the couple’s contributions, Trunk Highway 610, which runs through Brooklyn Park, has been designated the Hortman Memorial Highway.
Reflecting on Melissa Hortman’s legacy, Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston offered a heartfelt tribute.
“Speaker Melissa Hortman loved trees. Her work was never just about the fight in front of her. It was about what would grow after it: children fed, families housed, parents able to care for newborns, communities made stronger,” Winston said. “Melissa planted deeply, and Minnesota will forever live in the calming shade of her body of work. We are more than blessed to claim Melissa, Mark and Gilbert as our own. Brooklyn Park is better because of them.”
The city also recognized the extraordinary courage of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman. Despite suffering life-threatening injuries and undergoing multiple surgeries, Hoffman has continued his commitment to public service, becoming a symbol of resilience and determination for residents across Minnesota.
As part of the anniversary observance, Senator Hoffman has encouraged residents to light a candle at dusk on June 14 and place it on their doorsteps in remembrance of innocent lives lost to political violence.
City leaders extended their deepest condolences to all those affected by the tragedy and emphasized the importance of seeking emotional and psychological support for those still coping with its impact. Officials noted that traumatic events can leave lasting effects and encouraged residents to utilize resources such as Hennepin County’s Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies (COPE) team, which provides 24-hour assistance.
The city concluded its message by encouraging residents to honor the memory of the Hortmans not only through remembrance, but through acts of kindness, service, and community engagement.
Officials echoed a message shared last year by the Hortmans’ children, Colin and Sophie Hortman, who urged people to celebrate their parents’ lives by planting a tree, visiting a park, petting a dog, sharing laughter with loved ones, baking for others, learning something new, and standing up for justice and peace.
“Today we pause and reflect,” the city stated. “Then we will honor the Hortmans and Hoffmans by moving forward and by following their example and their calling to improve the lives of all. Every action, big or small, matters.”
