When a longtime Minnesota lawmaker died after a battle with ALS, former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman helped pass historic legislation in search of a cure.

Investigators found a cowboy hat near the vehicle and were working to determine whether it belongs to Boelter.

Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman was more than just the state House’s top Democrat, according to those who knew her. She “was a bright shining light of a human being,” Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon,

Lawmakers and officials, both local and national, are issuing statements expressing shock and outrage over the shooting deaths​ of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman​ and her husband.

Melissa Hortman’ s influence at the Minnesota Capitol and her power as a Democratic leader to shape the course of a deeply divided Legislature were a far cry from her job as a teenager making chili-cheese burritos and overshadowed her volunteer work training service dogs for veterans.

The recent shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers have left the community shaken, sparking urgent talks about enhancing safety measures at the Capitol amid rising threats to officials.