Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings effective immediately, following what officials are calling the "politically motivated" shootings of DFL Rep.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Dante Tomassoni, the son of late state Sen. David Tomassoni, says Hortman was instrumental in crafting legislation that went toward ALS research while his father was afflicted with the disease. Related: Suspect Vance Boelter Caught, Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Minnesota Lawmaker Shootings

Melissa Hortman’ s influence at the Minnesota Capitol and her power as a Democratic leader to shape the course of a deeply divided Legislature were a far cry from her job as a teenager making chili-cheese burritos and overshadowed her volunteer work training service dogs for veterans.

The recent shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers have left the community shaken, sparking urgent talks about enhancing safety measures at the Capitol amid rising threats to officials.

Officials say Vance Luther Boelter surrendered to police in a wooded area near his home. He faces multiple charges in a targeted attack on lawmakers.