IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.Skip to ContentSign up / Sign inHi SearchSign up / Sign inHi Share this —DashboardMy SavedProfileSearch TodaySearchSectionsShowsMoreFollow todayMore BrandsGolden Retriever Dog Lies in State Alongside Minnesota Lawmaker and Her HusbandRep. Melissa Hortman, her husband, Mark Hortman, and their dog, Gilbert, were killed in a "politically motivated assassination" at their home on June 14.June 27, 2025, 7:08 PM EDT / Source: By It was a heartbreaking scene as many gathered to pay their respects to former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband, Mark Hortman, and their beloved golden retriever, Gilbert. The three lie in state in the rotunda of the Capitol building on June 27, 2025 in St. Paul, Minnesota, after being killed inside their home on June 14 in what Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called a “politically motivated assassination” Gilbert was injured in the attack and did not survive. According to , Melissa Hortman is the first woman to lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol rotunda. adds that her husband is the first who wasn't a political official or veteran, while 4-year-old Gilbert is the first animal.Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband, Mark Hortman, and their dog, Gilbert, lie in state in the rotunda of the Capitol building on June 27, 2025 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Stephen Maturen / Getty ImagesOfficials captured Vance Boelter, 57, on June 15, in connection with the Hortmans' deaths. The man was also charged with the shooting of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, who were wounded at their home nearby on June 14. According to officials, Boelter pretended to be a law enforcement officer to enter their homes. Melissa Hortman had been a Helping Paws Foster Home Trainer, working with assistance dogs for years. The organization honored her after news of her death, writing that she “served her community in more ways than one.”“The Hortman family raised and trained Minnie, who is now a working service dog partnered with a veteran. They also helped raise and train Gilbert, a service dog in training who was eventually career changed and became a cherished member of their family,” the statement read, adding that, at the time, they didn’t know Gilbert’s condition.On June 16, the organization also honored Gilbert with his own post after hearing that he did not survive the attack. “This is a profound loss for the entire Helping Paws community. We are mourning the loss of two dedicated volunteers and one of our beloved dogs who once trained in our program,” reports that thousands are expected to pay their respects to the Hortmans, who leave behind adult children Sophie and Colin Hortman. Gov. Waltz and his wife, first lady Gwen Walz, were photographed inside the Capitol. Following news of their parents' death, Sophie and Colin Hortman , expressing their devastation.“We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents, Melissa and Mark. They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can’t believe they are gone. Their love for us was boundless. We miss them so much,” the statement read in part, confirming they were “both safe and with loved ones.”They also added suggestions on how people could honor their parents and Gilbert, including, “Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do.”“Our parents lived their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer,” they concluded. “Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect. The best way to honor our parents’ memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.”Liz Calvario is a Los Angeles-based reporter and editor for TODAY.com who covers entertainment, pop culture and trending news.RelatedPets & Animals / Updated June 12, 2025Pets & Animals / Updated June 10, 2025Pets & Animals / Updated June 10, 2025Pets & Animals / Updated June 9, 2025Pets & Animals / Updated June 5, 2025News / Updated June 5, 2025Pets & Animals / Updated June 2, 2025Pets & Animals / Updated May 24, 2025Pets & Animals / Updated May 18, 2025Restaurants / Updated May 16, 2025© 2025 NBCUniversal Media, LLCApple®, Apple logo® and App Store® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., Gilbert, Representative Melissa Hortman’s dog, is being honored at the State Capitol with Ms. Hortman and her husband, Mark. They were all killed in a shooting at their home this month., The Minnesota State Capitol opens for the public to pay their respects to Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark Hortman, and their dog Gilbert, in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 27, 2025..