The gunman also wounded another Democratic lawmaker and that lawmaker's wife.

"Our state lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends. Speaker Hortman was someone who served the state of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor, and a sense of service," Gov. Walz told reporters at an early morning news conference, adding, "She was a formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota. She woke up every day determined to make this state a better place. She is irreplaceable and will be missed by so many."