Sophie and Colin Hortman released the following statement on behalf of the Hortman family: “We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents, Melissa and Mark. They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can’t believe they are gone. Their love for us was boundless. We miss them so much.”

Sophie and Colin Hortman are responding to the fatal shooting of their parents, Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman.

Melissa Hortman's golden retriever, Gilbert, was shot in a targeted attack that killed her and her husband. Her children had to euthanise him, deepening the tragedy.