Biden and Harris attend slain Minnesota lawmaker’s funeral

Former president and vice-president Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were on site for the funeral of the state representative of Minnesota, Melissa Hortman, two weeks after she, her husband, Mark and their dog were fatally killed at their home.

Harris joined Biden for the funeral on Saturday, invited by Governor Tim Walz on behalf of the adult children of Hortmans, Sophie and Colin Hortman, according to CBS News. About 1,500 people attended the private funeral at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, which was also broadcast live.

“Melissa Hortman will be remembered as the most consecutive speaker in the history of Minnesota. I remember her as a close friend, a mentor and the most talented legislator I have ever known,” Walz said in her praise. “For seven years, I have the privilege of signing its program. I know that millions of minnesotans live better because she and Mark have chosen the public service and politics. ”

Trump did not comment on assassinations or funeral, and his schedule said he was playing golf. He condemned violence but did not call Walz after the shooting.

Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar, who could not attend it due to the Budget Budget Bill which is looming before the Senate, published a statement.

“Today, we are going to rest two incredible minnesotans that we lost too early,” she said. “I join the state and the country to honor our beloved friends Melissa and Mark Hortman. Speaking with their children Sophie and Colin yesterday at Minnesota Capitol, I know that the heritage of goodness and service of Melissa and Mark to others is in the best hands.

One day earlier, Biden had paid tribute when the Hortmans and Gilbert, their Golden Retriever, were in a state in the rotunda of Minnesota Capitol. Biden, whose visit was unexpected, was the most high -end politician to pay tribute, Daily Beast reported.

He was one of the more than 7,500 people in mourning, including public members who arrived before the start of 10 a.m. and lined up for blocks. They remembered Melissa Hortman for her humanity as well as her desire to negotiate bipartite solutions to complex problems, and his skills as a bridges builder between those who have opposite views.

Hortman was the first woman to have been in the state at the Capitol and to one of the under 20 people overall, and Gilbert was the first non -human file. Gilbert was seriously injured in the attack and had to be shot.

Friday, Biden slowly headed for the double coffins which flanked an urn containing the ashes of Gilbert, looking a long time on the board before kneeling in tribute. He got up and made the sign of the cross before leaving.

The Hortmans were killed in the early hours of June 14, when the alleged shooter Vance Boelter, 57, presented himself in their suburban house in Minneapolis disguised as a police officer and forced his way. About 90 minutes earlier, he had done the same thing at the state’s home, Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, pulling him the same time and her eight times. The two survived and recovered, although they “face a long to come” in the healing of “physical injuries and emotional trauma,” the family said in a statement on Sunday.

Biden also visited the Hoffmans and their daughter Hope, who had been with his parents at the time and were able to call 911 after having locked the door against the shooter.

The Hoffmans were not good enough to attend the funeral, but looked at live broadcast.

“It was heartbreaking,” they said later. “Our hearts are with the Hortman family during this period of huge sorrow.”

Boelter faces several state and federal murders and attempted murder, as well as other crimes. Friday morning, during his second federal hearing, Boelter’s detention and the preliminary hearing was postponed to Wednesday after his legal team asked for a continuation, CBS News reported.

With news feed services