Fact Check: "A massive manhunt is underway for a suspect believed to be armed and dangerous, who may be impersonating law enforcement."
What We Know
A significant manhunt is currently in progress in Minnesota following a tragic incident involving two state lawmakers. Reports indicate that a man, who is believed to be impersonating a police officer, shot Rep. Melissa Hortman and her spouse, resulting in their deaths, while Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot but survived and are recovering in the hospital (source-2). Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed these details, labeling the shootings as a targeted attack and stating that the suspect is considered "armed and dangerous" (source-4).
The suspect reportedly used an SUV equipped with lights to mimic a police vehicle and was dressed in a police-like uniform when he confronted law enforcement officers responding to the shooting (source-1). A manifesto was found in the suspect's vehicle, which included a list of other lawmakers, further indicating the premeditated nature of the attack (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that a massive manhunt is underway for a suspect who is armed, dangerous, and possibly impersonating law enforcement is supported by multiple credible sources. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has publicly stated that the suspect is indeed armed and dangerous, and they have advised residents to exercise caution and not to approach the individual if spotted (source-3). The description of the suspect as a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor and a blue shirt, has been corroborated across various reports (source-5).
The sources used in this fact-check are reliable news outlets, including local Minnesota news stations and national publications, which have a history of accurate reporting. The urgency of the situation, as indicated by the shelter-in-place orders issued by local authorities, adds to the credibility of the reports (source-6).
Conclusion
The claim that a massive manhunt is underway for a suspect believed to be armed and dangerous, who may be impersonating law enforcement, is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms the ongoing manhunt and the nature of the suspect's actions, including the impersonation of a police officer during a violent attack on state lawmakers.
Sources
- Minnesota lawmakers John Hoffman, Melissa Hortman shot
- Minnesota lawmaker, her spouse shot and killed in their ...
- Live updates: Brooklyn Park shelter-in-place after multiple ...
- Manhunt underway for cop impersonator who shot two ...
- Gunman pretending to be police officer shoots 2 Minnesota ...
- Minneapolis locked down amid manhunt as suspect '...