This past week has marked one of the darkest chapters in our state鈥檚 history. The horrifying violence of June 14, 2025, that took the lives of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, has left a deep wound in our hearts and in our Capitol community. Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also wounded in the attack but, thankfully, are recovering from their injuries. As we mourn this tragedy, we must pause, reflect, and begin the long and challenging process of healing.
I鈥檝e served eleven sessions in the Minnesota House, every one of them alongside Speaker Hortman. She served eleven terms, a remarkable 21-year career. I recall sitting with her on the Energy Committee early on, impressed by how sharp and well-versed she was in even the most complex policy discussions. Melissa was not just a colleague; she was a respected leader and a friend.
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She led with strength, patience, humility, and grace. Whether it was calming a tense debate with a bit of humor or navigating difficult negotiations behind the scenes, Speaker Hortman was a steady hand and a brilliant strategist. She knew when to listen, when to act, and how to bring people together, even across party lines. Her leadership strengthened our institution, and her absence will be deeply felt for years to come.
Even as a member of the minority party and someone who often fought hard just to make my voice heard, I looked at her leadership with deep respect and awe. I was proud of this year鈥檚 election results when we broke the DFL trifecta, but that never changed my admiration for the kind of leader she was.
Senator Hoffman and I have worked closely together for years, especially on issues surrounding opioid abuse 鈥� a deeply personal issue for me 鈥� and public safety. He and his wife have been in my prayers every day since this tragedy unfolded. They, like Melissa and Mark, represent the very best of public service: people who show up, work hard, and care deeply about Minnesotans.
In the wake of this horrific event, I鈥檝e been disappointed by some of the reckless and divisive rhetoric that鈥檚 surfaced online and in political circles. Let me be clear: Governor Tim Walz did not know the shooter. Vance Boelter was not part of any political inner circle. Governor Walz lost a friend and is grieving just as we all are.
This is bigger than politics. We lost two extraordinary people last weekend. Misinformation and finger-pointing only add more pain for those of us mourning and for the families trying to process this unimaginable loss.
We are public servants, yes, but we are also human beings. And in this moment, we must let ourselves grieve. We must put down the political weapons, silence the speculation, and come together, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Minnesotans, united in sorrow and committed to healing.
Let鈥檚 take a breath. Let鈥檚 honor their lives. And let鈥檚 begin to heal.
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Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, represents House District 16B in the Minnesota Legislature. This commentary is the columnist's opinion. Send feedback to:
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