Fact Check: "Hundreds gathered at the Capitol to honor the Hortmans and their dog."
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically shot in their suburban Minneapolis home. Following this event, they were honored by lying in state at the Minnesota Capitol, where the public was invited to pay their respects. The Capitol Rotunda was open for this purpose from noon to 5 p.m. on the day of the event, and it was noted that they would be accompanied by their Golden Retriever, Gilbert, whose urn was displayed alongside photographs of the couple (Hortmans and their dog to lie in state Friday at Capitol).
Reports indicate that a significant number of mourners attended the event, with lines stretching around the block as people waited to pay their respects. The atmosphere was described as somber, with many attendees visibly emotional, including elected officials and everyday citizens (Mourners gather at the Minnesota Capitol, where ...).
Analysis
The claim that "hundreds gathered at the Capitol to honor the Hortmans and their dog" is substantiated by multiple sources. The first source confirms that the Capitol was open for public mourning, and the second source provides detailed accounts of the large turnout, stating that "a line of mourners stretched around the block" (Mourners gather at the Minnesota Capitol, where ...). This indicates that not only were there hundreds present, but the gathering was significant enough to warrant a lengthy wait for those wishing to pay their respects.
The reliability of the sources is strong; the first source is an official report from the Minnesota House of Representatives, which provides factual information about the arrangements for the memorial. The second source is a report from The New York Times, a reputable news organization known for its journalistic standards. Both sources present a consistent narrative regarding the attendance and the emotional atmosphere of the event.
Conclusion
The claim that "hundreds gathered at the Capitol to honor the Hortmans and their dog" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that a large number of people attended the memorial service, reflecting the community's respect and mourning for the Hortmans and their beloved dog.
