Biden and Harris Make Joint Appearance at Funeral Service — Video Footage

Political Leaders Unite in Grief: Biden and Harris Honor Slain Minnesota Lawmaker at Funeral Service

Former President and Vice President make rare joint public appearance to pay respects to Melissa Hortman and her husband, victims of alleged politically motivated attack


A Solemn Gathering in Minneapolis

In a moment that transcended political divisions, former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris appeared together at the funeral of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, who were tragically killed in what federal prosecutors describe as a politically motivated attack. The Saturday morning service at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis drew over 1,000 mourners, including congressional members, state officials, and members of the public who came to honor the lives of two individuals whose dedication to public service had touched countless lives.

A netizen's comment dated June 29, 2025 | Source: Facebook/people

The rare joint appearance of Biden and Harris at the Catholic Mass represented more than a political gesture—it was a profound statement about the importance of unity in the face of violence that strikes at the heart of democratic institutions. Their presence served as both a tribute to the victims and a powerful reminder that political differences must never escalate to violence.

Kamala Harris and Joe Biden holding hands during the funeral mass, dated June 28, 2025 | Source: YouTube/meidastouch

The Tragic Events That Brought Leaders Together

A line of people waiting outside the Capitol to pay their respects to the late Melissa Hortman, from a video dated June 29, 2025 | Source: YouTube/nbcnews

The funeral service followed the shocking events of June 14, when Vance Boelter, 57, allegedly impersonated a law enforcement officer and fatally shot both Melissa and Mark Hortman inside their Brooklyn Park home. The couple’s dog was also killed in the attack. Federal prosecutors have described the incident as politically motivated, highlighting growing concerns about political extremism and the safety of elected officials.

The attack was part of a broader pattern of violence that day. Just 90 minutes before the fatal shooting of the Hortmans, Boelter allegedly shot and injured another state lawmaker, Senator John Hoffman, and his wife. This sequence of events prompted what officials have called the largest manhunt in Minnesota history and renewed urgent conversations about political extremism and the protection of public servants.

Tim Walz speaking during the funeral mass | Source: YouTube/nbcnews

Boelter now faces federal charges including two counts of murder, two counts of stalking, and weapons violations. Prosecutors have not ruled out pursuing the death penalty, while a parallel state case may proceed with charges that could carry a life sentence without parole.

A Service Marked by Unity and Remembrance

The funeral Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary was characterized by both deep sorrow and inspiring tributes to a couple whose lives had been dedicated to public service. Biden wore a black suit with a navy tie, while Harris appeared in a dark coat dress adorned with a remembrance button, both maintaining the solemn dignity appropriate for the occasion.

Moments of Connection

One of the most poignant moments of the service occurred during the Lord’s Prayer, when Biden and Harris were observed holding hands in a gesture of mutual support and shared grief. This moment, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, sparked various interpretations from observers.

Some viewers interpreted the gesture as Harris providing physical support to the former president, with social media comments noting “She’s holding him up” and expressing concern about Biden’s well-being. Others saw it as a natural expression of comfort between two leaders sharing a moment of profound sadness and reflection.

Tributes from State Leadership

Governor Tim Walz, who served as a pallbearer, delivered a moving eulogy that highlighted the Hortmans’ dedication to public service and their impact on Minnesota politics. “Melissa Hortman will be remembered as the most consequential speaker in Minnesota history,” Walz stated, referencing the hundreds of bills she had shepherded into law during her 11-term tenure in the state House.

The governor’s remarks emphasized not only Hortman’s political achievements but also the personal qualities that made her effective as a leader and beloved by colleagues across party lines. Her pragmatism, wit, and unwavering focus on improving people’s lives were recurring themes throughout the service.

Historic Recognition and Public Mourning

The funeral service followed a memorial held the previous day at the Minnesota Capitol Rotunda, where the couple and their dog Gilbert were displayed for public viewing. This honor was particularly significant for Melissa Hortman, who became the first woman in Minnesota’s history to receive such recognition—a testament to her groundbreaking role in state politics.

The public response to the opportunity to pay respects was overwhelming, with long lines of citizens waiting outside the Capitol to honor the couple. The outpouring of public grief demonstrated the deep impact the Hortmans had made on their community and the broader state of Minnesota.

Biden visited the Capitol that afternoon to pay private respects and meet with the couple’s children, providing personal comfort to the family during their time of unimaginable loss. This private meeting underscored the personal dimension of political service and the human cost of violence against public officials.

Personal Tributes and Family Remembrance

The funeral service included deeply personal tributes that revealed the human side of public figures often known primarily for their political roles. Father Dan Griffith spoke about the couple’s renowned warmth and hospitality, noting that their home was affectionately known as the “Hortman Hotel” among friends and colleagues—a detail that illustrated their generous spirit and open-door approach to both personal and political relationships.

Perhaps the most moving moment of the service came when Colin Hortman, the couple’s son, offered a closing prayer and read from a copy of the Prayer of St. Francis that had been found in his mother’s wallet. This discovery provided a touching insight into Melissa Hortman’s personal faith and values, suggesting that the principles of peace, understanding, and service that guided her public life were deeply rooted in her spiritual beliefs.

The presence of such personal items and the family’s willingness to share these intimate details with the public congregation created a powerful connection between the political figure and the person, reminding all present that behind every public servant is a full human life with relationships, beliefs, and personal treasures.

Public Response and Social Media Reaction

The funeral service and the attendance of Biden and Harris generated significant discussion on social media platforms, reflecting the complex ways in which political events are processed and interpreted in the digital age. The responses ranged from expressions of concern about the former president’s health to praise for the dignity and respect shown by both leaders.

Some observers focused on the apparent physical support Harris provided to Biden during the service, with comments expressing concern about his well-being and stamina. These observations sparked broader discussions about age, health, and the demands of public service, particularly in high-stress situations such as funerals for victims of violence.

However, many viewers were moved by the presence of both leaders at the funeral, with commenters describing their attendance as demonstrating “heart and class” and calling Biden and Harris “sweet, kind people.” These responses highlighted the public’s appreciation for leaders who prioritize human connection and empathy over political calculations.

The varied reactions to the footage and images from the service illustrate how political figures are constantly subject to interpretation and analysis, even in moments of private grief and public mourning.

The Broader Context of Political Violence

The tragic circumstances that necessitated this funeral service reflect a disturbing trend of increasing political violence and extremism in American society. The alleged targeting of multiple elected officials in a single day represents an escalation that has prompted serious conversations about the safety of public servants and the climate of political discourse.

Security Concerns for Elected Officials

The attack on the Hortmans and Senator Hoffman highlights the vulnerability of state and local elected officials, who often lack the extensive security details provided to federal officials. Many state legislators and local officials maintain relatively normal lives, living in their communities and remaining accessible to constituents—a accessibility that, while essential for democratic representation, can also create security vulnerabilities.

The incident has prompted discussions about how to balance the democratic principle of accessible representation with the practical need to protect elected officials from those who might resort to violence to express political disagreements.

The Role of Political Rhetoric

The classification of the attack as politically motivated has also renewed discussions about the role of inflammatory political rhetoric in potentially inspiring violence. While the specific motivations of the alleged perpetrator are still being investigated, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when political disagreements escalate beyond the bounds of civilized discourse.

Legislative Legacy and Political Impact

Melissa Hortman’s death represents not only a personal tragedy but also a significant loss for Minnesota politics and progressive policy-making. Her two-decade career in the legislature was marked by pragmatic leadership and an ability to build coalitions across party lines to address practical challenges facing Minnesota families.

Policy Achievements

As the most consequential speaker in Minnesota history, according to Governor Walz’s tribute, Hortman had shepherded hundreds of bills through the legislative process. Her legislative priorities often focused on issues affecting working families, including education funding, healthcare access, and economic development initiatives.

Her approach to leadership was characterized by a combination of principled conviction and practical compromise, allowing her to advance progressive priorities while maintaining working relationships with colleagues across the political spectrum.

Impact on Women in Politics

Hortman’s historic recognition as the first woman to lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol Rotunda underscores her groundbreaking role in state politics. Her career served as an inspiration for women seeking to enter public service and demonstrated the impact that dedicated female leaders can have on policy and governance.

The Final Farewell

Following the Mass, the couple’s caskets were taken to Lakewood Cemetery for burial, where a smaller group of family members and close friends gathered for the graveside service. White flowers surrounded the burial site, and mourners formed quiet circles as final prayers were offered for the couple and their family.

This private conclusion to the public ceremony provided an opportunity for intimate farewells and personal reflection, away from the cameras and public attention that had marked the earlier service. The transition from public mourning to private burial reflected the dual nature of political figures’ lives—public servants who are also private individuals with families and personal relationships.

Conclusion: Unity in the Face of Tragedy

The joint appearance of Biden and Harris at the Hortman funeral service represents more than a political gesture or photo opportunity. Their presence served as a powerful statement about the values that should guide democratic society: respect for public service, unity in the face of violence, and the recognition that political differences must never escalate to physical harm.

The service itself provided a model for how communities can come together to honor those lost to political violence while reaffirming their commitment to democratic principles and peaceful discourse. The overwhelming public response to the opportunity to pay respects demonstrates that, despite deep political divisions, there remains broad support for the fundamental institutions and individuals who serve the public good.

As the investigation into the attacks continues and the healing process begins for the families and communities affected, the memory of Melissa and Mark Hortman serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting not only individual public servants but the democratic institutions they represent. Their legacy challenges all citizens to engage in political discourse with civility, respect, and a commitment to the peaceful resolution of differences.

The image of Biden and Harris holding hands in prayer during the service will likely endure as a symbol of the unity that tragedy can inspire and the hope that democratic institutions can withstand even the most serious challenges when supported by leaders and citizens committed to their preservation.


This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of political extremism and the importance of protecting democratic institutions and the individuals who dedicate their lives to public service.

Categories: Politics
Lila Hart

Written by:Lila Hart All posts by the author

Lila Hart is a dedicated Digital Archivist and Research Specialist with a keen eye for preserving and curating meaningful content. At TheArchivists, she specializes in organizing and managing digital archives, ensuring that valuable stories and historical moments are accessible for generations to come. Lila earned her degree in History and Archival Studies from the University of Edinburgh, where she cultivated her passion for documenting the past and preserving cultural heritage. Her expertise lies in combining traditional archival techniques with modern digital tools, allowing her to create comprehensive and engaging collections that resonate with audiences worldwide. At TheArchivists, Lila is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to uncover hidden gems within extensive archives. Her work is praised for its depth, authenticity, and contribution to the preservation of knowledge in the digital age. Driven by a commitment to preserving stories that matter, Lila is passionate about exploring the intersection of history and technology. Her goal is to ensure that every piece of content she handles reflects the richness of human experiences and remains a source of inspiration for years to come.

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