A candlelight vigil is being planned that will take place on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol Wednesday to honor the life of House Speaker Emerita Melissa and her spouse, Mark Hortman, killed early Saturday morning in a politically motivated shooting. Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also seriously injured after being shot. Vance Boelter is the main suspect and faces a litany of federal and state charges.
There's been an outpouring of love and support for Hortman, with people paying their respects at the state capitol, leaving notes, candles and flowers.
Long time friend and colleague, Rep. Zack Stephenson, says he's grateful to have had so much time working with Hortman who he says had her share of up's and down's in her long career.
"But just kept persisting on, and working and fighting," Stephenson said Tuesday. "Which led to, you know, amazing successes during her time as Speaker."
Stephenson says this kind of evil is never acceptable, and should not deter people from public service.
"Minnesota politics should be safe for everyone," he adds. "It should be civil. It should be respectful. It should be constructive, and those were all things that were indicative of how Melissa Hortman approached the job."
The candle light vigil is open to the public, but there will not be any speakers.
People are encouraged to bring their own candles, but they're encouraging attendees not to bring any signs.
The vigil will run from 8:00-9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18 at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul.