Fact Check: Authorities are searching for 57-year-old Vance Boelter, who is suspected of fatally shooting Democratic former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their Brooklyn Park home on June 14, 2025.
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed in their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The suspected shooter, identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, is currently at large. This incident has been described as a "politically motivated assassination" by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who stated that the shootings were part of a broader pattern of targeted political violence (ABC News, CNN).
Boelter is also suspected of shooting Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, earlier the same morning at their home in Champlin, Minnesota. While Hoffman and his wife survived their injuries, the attacks have raised significant concerns about political violence in the state (Reuters, MPR News).
Authorities have indicated that Boelter was impersonating a police officer during the attacks and was found wearing a realistic latex mask (ABC News, USA Today). In his vehicle, police discovered a list of potential targets that included numerous Minnesota Democrats, indicating a premeditated plan (ABC News, Fox 9).
Analysis
The claim that Vance Boelter is the suspect in the fatal shootings of Melissa and Mark Hortman is corroborated by multiple credible news sources. Reports from ABC News, CNN, and MPR News consistently identify Boelter as the suspect and detail the circumstances surrounding the shootings, including the political motivations behind them.
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. They provide detailed accounts of the events, including eyewitness reports and official statements from law enforcement and government officials. Furthermore, the involvement of Governor Tim Walz in labeling the shootings as politically motivated adds weight to the claims regarding the nature of the attacks (ABC News, MPR News).
However, it is important to note that while the evidence points strongly to Boelter's involvement, he remains a suspect and has not yet been apprehended. The ongoing investigation may yield further information that could clarify the situation.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that authorities are searching for Vance Boelter, who is suspected of fatally shooting Melissa Hortman and her husband, is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm that Boelter is the identified suspect in these tragic events, which have been characterized as politically motivated violence. The details surrounding the shootings, including the suspect's actions and the context provided by officials, support this conclusion.
Sources
- Minnesota manhunt underway for suspect in deadly ...
- Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman killed, State Sen. John Hoffman ...
- Manhunt continues for suspect in shootings of Minnesota legislators
- June 14, 2025 - News on the manhunt for gunman who ...
- Minnesota lawmakers shooting: Vance Luther Boelter ID'd as suspect
- Search for suspect Vance Boelter enters 2nd day after attacks ...
- Minnesota lawmaker shootings: Manhunt for suspect Vance Boelter
- Minnesota Rep. Hortman and husband killed, Sen. ...
