It was a somber moment at the Lawshe Memorial Museum Saturday morning at what was supposed to be a celebratory event.
While law enforcement conducted the largest manhunt in state history looking Vance Boelter, 57, who is alleged to have murdered Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman and attempted to murder Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman, legislators were told to shelter in place.
At the ribbon cutting for The Curiosity Collection, the Lawshe’s newest permanent exhibit, Rep. Rick Hanson and Rep. Mary Frances Clardy were thanked for their work securing funding for the museum even in their absence, which at the time went unexplained.
In the early hours of June 14, Boelter is alleged to have travelled to the home of Sen. John Hoffman and shot him and his wife through the door of their Chaplain home.
Boelter is then alleged to have travelled to the Brooklyn Park home of Rep. Hortman before murdering her and her husband Mark.
After fleeing from a shootout with police outside of Rep. Hortman’s home after 3 a.m. Saturday morning, a list of names of politicians was found in his car prompting a call for legislators to take shelter.
Boelter was captured after 9 p.m. Sunday night by police in Sibley County in a field outside of his home near Erin Lake.
“When you leave here today, you’ll hear some very tragic news,” said Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins at the Lawshe ribbon cutting.
“If there ever was a time for a little civility and for being able to communicate with one another, regardless of political belief, if you’re democrat or republican or green or yellow or whatever the color card you have, it’s time to set aside the barbs and just talk to them,” said Atkins.
It was a message echoed by Hastings legislators.
“Despite all the partisanship, it’s important to remember that each of us decides to run for office because we wish to serve our communities.
“Our family mourns the loss of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband. Every life is sacred. Those who serve in office are no exception.
“I fully condemn political violence of all kinds. As Christians, we are called to love one another, to seek peace, and to honor the dignity of every soul created in God’s Image. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God (Matthew 5:9),” said Rep. Tom Dippel in a Facebook post.
“A heartfelt thank you to law enforcement throughout the state for their tireless efforts to capture the criminal responsible for the murders of Melissa and Mark Hortman, and attempted murders of John and Yvette Hoffman. A special thank you to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for going above and beyond to help my family feel safe. We are grateful for your professionalism and relentless pursuit of justice,” said Sen. Judy Seeberger in a Facebook post.
In a statement Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko called the attack a “cowardice, senseless act,” but maintained that “Our commitment to your safety in the face of evil will never waiver. The Sheriff’s office and your Dakota County city police departments remain steadfast in our mission to protect and serve with integrity, transparency and care. Know that we are here and are taking every precaution to ensure your safety.”
The Hastings City Council held a moment of silence for Rep. Hortman and her husband at the June 16 city council meeting.