Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman, husband and dog to lie in state as suspected killer is due in court

Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman will lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol rotunda on Friday as her suspected killer is scheduled to appear in court

Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman will lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol rotunda on Friday as her suspected killer is scheduled to appear in court.

Hortman and her husband were killed in what authorities described as a "politically motivated assassination" at their Brooklyn Park home on June 14. Hortman, a Democrat, will be the first woman to receive the honor in the state's Capitol. She and her husband will be lying with their golden retriever, Gilbert, who was wounded in the attack before being euthanized.

Thousands are expected to pay their respects at the Capitol rotunda on Friday afternoon.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Minnesota to attend the funeral services for the Hortmans, according to a source familiar with her plans.

Harris spoke to the Hortmans’ children in the past week to express her condolences and offer her support, according to the source. She also spoke with her 2024 vice presidential running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who extended an invitation to the services on behalf of the family.