Americans for Autism Advocacy Foundation Resource Statement in Response to the Assassination of Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman

2025. PAUL, MINN. – The Americans for Autism Advocacy Foundation (AFAA Foundation), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to promoting public policy that supports the neurodivergent community, responds to the tragic assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, on June 14, 2025. The alleged suspect, Vance Boelter, was arrested on Sunday June 15, 2025.

“The AFAA Foundation Board of Directors mourns the tragic loss of Speaker Hortman and her husband, Mark. We want to assure Minnesotans that support is available for anyone grieving this profound loss. Minnesotans experiencing a crisis can reach out for support by calling or texting 988. This service is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The AFAA Foundation acknowledges the extensive fraud within Minnesota’s Autism programs first reported by KARE-TV 11 on October 17, 2024, which undermines trust in care systems. We urge all neurodivergent Minnesotans and their families to connect with trusted providers and consider donating-monetarily or through in-kind donations of goods or services to these verified providers. We stand with Governor Tim Walz, House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, and all affected by this tragedy, urging continued investment in these vital resources to combat despair.”

Minnesota Autism Resources 

• In Minneapolis and Greater Minnesota, families can find support through the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM). AUSM offers a wide range of services including counseling, skill shops, and summer camps tailored to the needs of individuals with autism and their families. AUSM can be reached by its website or by calling 651.647.1083.

• The Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN) provides one-on-one guidance for multicultural communities in both the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.  MAAN can be reached by its website or by calling (612) 470-7003.
• The Minnesota Autism Portal is an official Minnesota government website that connects neurodivergent Minnesotans with verified resources. Interested Minnesotans can fill out an intake form to be contacted by a member of the Minnesota Autism Portal.
• The Autism Recovery Foundation offers direct financial support for families, scholarships and grants for individuals seeking certification as an applied behavioral analysis, and strategic planning and education on EIBI treatments. Any interested Minnesotan can contact the foundation via their website.