Hennepin County committees open meetings with statement on June 14 attacks and announce honors for Speaker Melissa Hortman

Hennepin County commissioners opened the committee meetings on June 24 by announcing that the county has begun live-streaming committee meetings to YouTube to broaden access to live and archived official county business.

The county chair and commissioners then held an extended, unified remembrance for the victims of the June 14 attacks. Commissioner Fernando described the events that took place on June 14 and extended condolences to Speaker Melissa Hortman and her family; commissioners recalled Hortman’s leadership on issues including abortion access and school meals. The county announced several public honors: county flags will fly at half-staff in memory of Speaker Hortman; the board will honor her at the next full board meeting on July 8; and the Lowry Avenue Bridge will be lit in Minnesota colors.

Commissioners also noted that Speaker Hortman will lie in state at the Minnesota State Capitol on Friday, June 27 between noon and 5 p.m., and encouraged residents able to attend to pay their respects. Several commissioners shared personal remembrances of Hortman and Senator John Hoffman and urged the community to reject intimidation and violent acts while continuing public service.

Those remarks closed before the committee moved to its regular agenda.