Context:

Former President Biden made an unexpected appearance at the Minnesota State Capitol to join mourners at the public memorial for Melissa Hortman, the former state House Speaker, and her husband Mark, both victims of a politically motivated assassination. This marked a historic moment as Hortman became the first woman to lie in state in Minnesota. The line of mourners extended around the Capitol lawn, with many wearing pins or shirts honoring Hortman's famous rallying cry, 'Let's f***cking go'. Prior to the memorial, Biden visited Senator John Hoffman, who is recovering in the hospital. Both Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris planned to attend a private funeral for the Hortmans in the Twin Cities the following Saturday morning.

Dive Deeper:

• Melissa Hortman, a significant figure in the Democratic Party, and her husband Mark were tragically assassinated in a politically motivated attack, leading to a public memorial at the Minnesota State Capitol.

• Hundreds of mourners lined up outside the Capitol, forming a queue that stretched across the lawn and around the block, to pay their respects to Hortman, who made history as the first woman to lie in state in Minnesota.

• Mourners showed their support and respect by wearing attire that featured Hortman's well-known political slogan, 'Let's f***cking go', symbolizing her influential role and impact.

• In a gesture of respect and solidarity, former President Biden made an unannounced visit to the memorial, highlighting the significance of the event and the legacy of Hortman.

• Biden's visit to the memorial was part of a broader itinerary that included a hospital visit to injured Senator John Hoffman, demonstrating his engagement with ongoing political and personal matters in the region.

• The private funeral for Melissa and Mark Hortman was scheduled for the following Saturday morning in the Twin Cities, with both Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris expected to attend, underscoring the high-profile nature of the couple's remembrance.

• The event drew widespread attention, with media updates ensuring that the public remained informed about the proceedings and funeral arrangements, reflecting the community's deep sense of loss and the Hortmans' political significance.