Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar dined with former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman just hours before Hortman and her husband, Mark, were assassinated at their home in Brooklyn Park on Saturday. Klobuchar was informed early that morning by Gov. Tim Walz about the attack.

Hortman, who served as state House Speaker from 2019 to January 2025, was killed in what authorities have described as a politically motivated assassination. The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, disguised himself as a police officer during the attack. Boelter had a manifesto listing 70 politicians as targets, including Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. He was captured Sunday evening after a two-day manhunt.

Boelter also shot State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who survived the attack. “No Kings” flyers, linked to protests against President Trump, were found in Boelter’s vehicle.

Klobuchar recalled Hortman as a skilled, no-nonsense legislator with humor, who was known for her inclusive leadership style and ability to bring lawmakers together. She highlighted Hortman’s work ethic, balancing public service with personal responsibilities.

Klobuchar expressed deep concern over the surge in political violence, citing over 9,000 threats against members of Congress last year compared to 1,700 in 2016, and warned that such violence could discourage good people from entering politics.

Following the assassination, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for enhanced security for Klobuchar and fellow Minnesota Senator Tina Smith. Schumer credited Capitol Police for swiftly increasing security measures for vulnerable senators.

The report also mentioned a recent incident involving Senator Alex Padilla and Homeland Security officers, noting supporters justify DHS officers’ actions amid the rising violence against federal immigration officers.