Fact Check: A manhunt is underway for a gunman who impersonated a police officer during the shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, on October 7, 2023.

Fact Check: A manhunt is underway for a gunman who impersonated a police officer during the shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, on October 7, 2023.

What We Know

On October 7, 2023, a manhunt was initiated following a series of shootings involving two Minnesota lawmakers, Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman. Reports indicate that the shooter was impersonating a police officer during these incidents. According to FOX 9, a shelter-in-place order was issued in Brooklyn Park after the shootings, which resulted in the death of Rep. Hortman and her spouse, while Sen. Hoffman and his wife were hospitalized but expected to survive. The suspect, described as a white male wearing black body armor, was reportedly seen using an SUV equipped with lights to mimic a police vehicle (KBJR).

Authorities have confirmed that the shootings were targeted attacks, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated that a manifesto was found in the suspect's vehicle, which included a list of other state lawmakers (Yahoo). The suspect remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous, prompting law enforcement to advise residents not to approach him and to verify the identity of any officers at their door (KTLA).

Analysis

The claim that a manhunt is underway for a gunman impersonating a police officer is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The information from FOX 9 and KBJR provides consistent details about the nature of the shootings, the identity of the victims, and the ongoing manhunt. Both sources are reputable local news outlets with a history of covering significant events in Minnesota, which lends credibility to their reporting.

Furthermore, the involvement of state officials, including Governor Walz, adds an additional layer of reliability to the information. The fact that a shelter-in-place order was issued and that law enforcement is actively searching for the suspect confirms the seriousness of the situation. The description of the suspect and the circumstances surrounding the shootings align across various reports, including those from Yahoo and KTLA.

While the situation is still developing, the evidence presented supports the claim that a manhunt is indeed underway for a gunman who impersonated a police officer during these targeted shootings.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that a manhunt is underway for a gunman who impersonated a police officer during the shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, on October 7, 2023, is accurate. Multiple reliable sources confirm the details of the incident, including the impersonation of law enforcement, the targeted nature of the attacks, and the ongoing search for the suspect.

Sources

1. Live updates: Brooklyn Park shelter-in-place after multiple shootings
2. Gunman pretending to be police officer shoots 2 Minnesota politicians: reports
3. 2 Minnesota lawmakers shot in apparent 'targeted' incidents
4. 2 Minnesota lawmakers were shot in their homes by man impersonating police
5. Homes of two Minnesota state lawmakers targeted in shootings
6. Brooklyn Park shooting: Shelter in place ordered
7. Reports: Minnesota Lawmakers Targeted in Suburban Shootings
8. Minnesota state lawmaker killed in 'politically-motivated assassination'