Governors order flags at half-staff to honor assassinated lawmaker

Minnesota House DFL Caucus Leader Rep. Melissa Hortman smiles as she answers questions from the media Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at the State Capitol after reaching a power-sharing agreement with Republicans.

June 14, 2025 at 6:19 PM

ST. PAUL 鈥� Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Saturday, June 14, ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in the state immediately, in honor and remembrance of the late Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman.

"Today, Minnesota lost a great leader. A formidable public servant and a fixture of the state Capitol, Melissa Hortman," Walz said, adding that Hortman, who was assassinated Saturday morning at her home, woke up every day determined to make Minnesota a better place.

"She served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, and tirelessness. Minnesota鈥檚 thoughts are with her loved ones," Walz said.

Walz also encouraged individuals, businesses and other organizations to join in lowering their flags.

Also on Saturday, South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden ordered flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset Saturday at the Capitol in honor of Hortman.

"South Dakota stands in solidarity with our Minnesota neighbors as they mourn Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband. Violence has no place in our political system 鈥� and it must end,鈥� Rhoden said.