Fact Check: Authorities are conducting a manhunt for a gunman who impersonated a police officer and shot both Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman.
What We Know
On Saturday morning, two Minnesota lawmakers, Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman, along with their spouses, were shot in their homes by a gunman impersonating a police officer. Reports indicate that Rep. Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed, while Sen. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, are currently receiving medical treatment in the hospital (FOX 9, KSTP). The shootings occurred in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota, prompting local authorities to issue a shelter-in-place alert for residents in the vicinity (Times of India, Live 5 News).
The suspect is described as a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants, and is considered armed and dangerous (Yahoo News). Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has labeled the incident a "politically motivated assassination" and confirmed that a manhunt is underway for the perpetrator (KSTP, WSFA).
Analysis
The claim that authorities are conducting a manhunt for a gunman who impersonated a police officer and shot both Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman is supported by multiple credible sources. The details provided by these sources are consistent, confirming the identity of the victims and the nature of the attack. The characterization of the shootings as "targeted" and politically motivated is echoed by Governor Walz, which adds a layer of credibility to the reports (KSTP, Live 5 News).
However, it is important to evaluate the reliability of the sources. FOX 9 and KSTP are reputable local news outlets with a history of accurate reporting. The Times of India, while a well-known publication, may not have the same level of local insight as Minnesota-based outlets. Therefore, while the information is corroborated across various platforms, the most reliable accounts come from local Minnesota news sources.
Conclusion
The claim that authorities are conducting a manhunt for a gunman who impersonated a police officer and shot both Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the details of the incident, including the identities of the victims, the nature of the attack, and the ongoing manhunt for the suspect.
Sources
- Rep. Melissa Hortman, Sen. John Hoffman shot in 'targeted ...
- Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, husband shot and killed
- Minnesota lawmakers John Hoffman, Melissa Hortman shot
- 2 Minnesota lawmakers were shot in their homes by man ...
- 2 Minnesota lawmakers shot in apparent 'targeted ...
- Minnesota lawmaker, her spouse shot and killed in their ...
- Minnesota legislators targeted in shootings by suspect ...
- 2 Minnesota lawmakers shot in apparent 'targeted' incident
