Hortman GoFundMe raises over $220,000 as Mark and Melissa Hortman’s children express gratitude over community support following tragic loss

The death of Speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, has left the state bereaved. Even as their children, Colin and Sophie Hortman, cope with life without their parents, they have shared their profound gratitude for the flood of support from friends, neighbors, and strangers.

A GoFundMe campaign that was set up to help the siblings has already raised more than $220,000, sending a message of community support to honor the couple’s memory and reduce the family’s burden.

Mark and Melissa Hortman and their golden retriever named Gilbert were murdered on June 14, 2025, in what authorities are calling a politically motivated assassination.

ST. PAUL, MN: Thousands expected at the MN State Capitol to pay their respects to Melissa, Mark and their dog, Gilbert Hortman. The family was killed in a “politically motivated assassination” nearly two weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/POukVn0mT5

— Patrick McGovern (@PMcGovernTV) June 27, 2025

According to The Guardian, the attacker, disguised as a police officer, arrived at their home in the early hours of the morning and killed the couple and later injured another state senator and his wife. The horrifying crime has rattled Minnesotans and led to a statewide discussion about political violence and security for public officials.

Several days after the tragedy, their uncle, Patrick Haluptzok, started a GoFundMe for Colin and Sophie Hortman. The money will supposedly assist the siblings in funeral arrangements, rebuilding the home where the final police standoff occurred, and in additional memorial costs.

"I created this GoFundMe to raise funds to help Colin and Sophie. I greatly miss my sister Melissa and brother-in-law Mark and want to help my niece and nephew through this difficult time." Patrick Haluptzok wrote.

Multiple donations and support pour through for the Hortman family

On Friday, hundreds of Minnesotans came to the state capitol to mourn as the Hortmans lay in state inside the rotunda. Flanked by ferns and trees, as a nod to Melissa’s lifelong love for gardening and her work on environmental issues, the couple’s wooden caskets and Gilbert’s golden urn covered in paw prints were greeted by mourners gathered from around the world.

Former President Joe Biden and Texas Supreme Court Justice Debra Lehrmann were among the large crowd that had gathered to mourn the couple’s loss. Melissa became the first woman in Minnesota history to lie in state at the Capitol.

The tragedy has also prompted another GoFundMe for State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were critically injured by the same gunman. That fundraiser has raised more than $40,000 to help with medical and rehabilitation costs.

As Minnesota tries to recover from a catastrophic loss, the Hortman family and their children are receiving love from people throughout the country.