Former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris joined hundreds of mourners at the funeral of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, following their deaths in a suspected politically driven assault. The two leaders sat side by side during the Catholic Mass and were later seen clasping hands during prayer.
A netizen’s comment dated June 29, 2025 | Source: Facebook/people
The private service took place Saturday morning, June 29, at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. Over 1000 people were in attendance, including members of Congress, state officials, and friends of the couple.
Biden wore a black suit and navy tie, while Harris appeared in a dark coat dress pinned with a remembrance button. As the congregation rose for the Lord’s Prayer, the two held each other’s hands in a moment of stillness.
Kamala Harris and Joe Biden holding hands during the funeral mass, dated June 28, 2025 | Source: YouTube/meidastouch
On social media, some people shared their views on their appearance. One commenter remarked, “She’s holding him up.” Another netizen agreed, saying, “She was holding him up.”
The funeral came after a memorial held the day before, where the couple and their dog, Gilbert, were displayed for people to pay their respects in the Minnesota Capitol Rotunda. Melissa was the first woman in the state’s history to receive this honor.
A line of people waiting outside the Capitol to pay their respects to the late Melissa Hortman, from a video dated June 29, 2025 | Source: YouTube/nbcnews
The former president visited the Capitol that afternoon to pay his respects and meet privately with the couple’s children. At the funeral Mass, Governor Tim Walz, who served as a pallbearer, described the Hortmans as devoted public servants whose lives were rooted in service and joy.
Tim Walz speaking during the funeral mass | Source: YouTube/nbcnews
“Melissa Hortman will be remembered as the most consequential speaker in Minnesota history,” he said, recalling the hundreds of bills she passed into law over her 11-term tenure in the state House.
According to federal prosecutors, Vance Boelter, 57, is accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer and fatally shooting both Melissa and Mark inside their Brooklyn Park home on June 14. The couple’s dog was also killed.
Just 90 minutes earlier, Boelter allegedly shot and injured another state lawmaker, Senator John Hoffman, and his wife. The attack, which officials have called politically motivated, has prompted renewed conversations about political extremism and safety.
Police tape placed around the crime scene, from a video dated June 29, 2025 | Source: YouTube/nbcnews
During the Mass, Father Dan Griffith spoke about the couple’s warmth and hospitality, saying their home was affectionately called the “Hortman Hotel.” Colin Hortman, the couple’s son, offered a closing prayer and read from a copy of the Prayer of St. Francis, which had been found in his mother’s wallet.
Colin Hortman speaking during the funeral mass | Source: YouTube/nbcnews
Reaction to the service continued online. “He doesn’t look well. Very sad,” one viewer wrote after seeing footage of Biden during the ceremony. “So weird,” another person said of the moment. A few voiced concern over the former president’s posture, suggesting that Harris was “trying to keep him from falling down or wandering off.”
Still, many viewers were moved by their presence at the funeral. One commenter described their attendance as a testament to “heart and class,” while another called the moment “so tragic,” adding that “Joe and Kamala are such sweet, kind people.”
Following the Mass, the couple’s caskets were taken to Lakewood Cemetery for burial. A small group of family members and close friends attended the graveside service. White flowers surrounded the site, and mourners gathered in quiet circles as final prayers were said.
A photo of the couple’s caskets placed before the altar during the funeral mass | Source: YouTube/nbcnews
Boelter has been charged in federal court with two counts of murder, two counts of stalking, and weapons violations. Prosecutors have not ruled out pursuing the death penalty.
A parallel state case may proceed with charges that could carry a life sentence without parole. Officials described the manhunt that followed as the largest in Minnesota history.
Melissa Hortman, who was 53 at the time of her death, served in the legislature for two decades. Her colleagues across party lines remembered her for her pragmatism, wit, and unwavering focus on improving people’s lives.
