The children of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman are speaking out on their parents' murders. “They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can’t believe they are gone," Sophie and Colin Hortman wrote in a statement obtained by PEOPLE Monday.

Early Saturday morning, Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were assassinated in their home.

Minneapolis mourns the assassination of Speaker Hortman and husband; city emphasizes democracy, safety, and community events.

When a longtime Minnesota lawmaker died after a battle with ALS, former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman helped pass historic legislation in search of a cure.

A suspect is in custody after Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot Saturday, while State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were wounded.

Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman was more than just the state House’s top Democrat, according to those who knew her. She “was a bright shining light of a human being,” Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon,

The children of Melissa and Mark Hortman are releasing a statement to the public after their parents died in what is being called a targeted assassination. Melissa Hortman had served in the legislature since 2005 and the mother of two was serving her 11th term when she was killed along with her husband Mark early Saturday morning.

The company intends to remember the husband of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman for “his intelligence, kindness, and generosity.”