Vance Boelter, 57, from Green Isle, Minnesota, is facing state and federal murder charges in the June 14 killing. He is also accused of shooting state Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife, who were seriously wounded in what state and federal prosecutors allege was a broader plot to assassinate politicians.
On Saturday, a private funeral will take place. Gov. Tim Walz (D) and former vice president Kamala Harris are expected to attend, with Walz delivering a eulogy.
Hortman was the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol. Mark Hortman, meanwhile, was the first Minnesotan to lie in state who was not a public official or a military figure. It also appeared to be the first time a dog received such an honor, according to a list from the Minnesota Historical Society.
The Hortmans had volunteered with Helping Paws as foster home trainers, helping to raise and train service dogs, the nonprofit said in a statement after the couple’s deaths. The family had trained another dog, who now works with a veteran, but Gilbert had been too friendly to complete his training. He “eventually career changed and became a cherished member of their family,” the group said.
“She loved Gilbert so much. The day Gilbert didn’t graduate doggy school was one of her happiest [days], because that meant Gilbert could stay with her. Gilbert was truly the best dog ever,” fellow Minnesota Rep. Kaohly Vang Her (D) wrote on Facebook.
In a post on X on Friday, the Minnesota House of Representatives Democratic-Farmer-Labor Caucus said: “We are incredibly touched by the amount of people who are visiting the Capitol today to pay their respects to Melissa, Mark, and their Golden Retriever Gilbert.”
The Hortmans’ coffins were topped by large flower arrangements, with portraits set beside them. Gilbert’s ashes were on a pedestal between them, in a golden urn encircled with paw prints, accompanied by a photo.
