Fact Check: Authorities have identified 57-year-old Vance Boelter as the suspect in the shooting of Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman, who was killed, and state senator John Hoffman, who was wounded, on Saturday, October 14, 2023.
What We Know
On October 14, 2023, Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park home. State senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and wounded during the same incident. Authorities have identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, who is currently being sought by law enforcement (AP News, CBS News).
Boelter is reported to have posed as a police officer during the attack, which has been described as a "politically motivated assassination" by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (Star Tribune). Following the shootings, a manhunt was initiated, with police and federal agents actively searching for Boelter, who is believed to be armed and dangerous (CBS News, KSTP).
Investigators found writings in Boelter's vehicle that included a list of potential targets, which reportedly contained over 50 names, including other lawmakers and abortion rights advocates (CBS News, Star Tribune).
Analysis
The claim that Vance Boelter has been identified as the suspect in the shootings of Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman is supported by multiple reputable news sources. The Associated Press, CBS News, and the Star Tribune all confirm that Boelter is the suspect being sought in connection with these shootings (AP News, CBS News, Star Tribune).
The sources reporting on this incident are credible and well-established news organizations, which enhances the reliability of the information. The AP, for instance, is known for its rigorous fact-checking and journalistic standards. CBS News also has a reputation for delivering accurate news coverage.
However, it is important to note that while the identification of Boelter as the suspect is corroborated by multiple sources, the investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as law enforcement continues its search (KSTP, Lynnwood Times).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that authorities have identified 57-year-old Vance Boelter as the suspect in the shooting of Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman, who was killed, and state senator John Hoffman, who was wounded, is accurate. This conclusion is based on consistent reporting from multiple credible sources confirming Boelter's identification as the suspect in these tragic events.
Sources
- Minnesota lawmaker, spouse dead after targeted shooting
- Suspect in Minnesota DFL lawmaker shootings identified ...
- 57-year-old suspect sought in targeted shootings of ...
- Rep. Melissa Hortman killed, Sen. John Hoffman shot in 'targeted political violence'
- Targeted shootings of Minnesota lawmakers, manhunt ...
- Minnesota lawmaker, her spouse shot and killed in their home
- Police search for 57-year-old suspect involved in Hortman shootings
- Minnesota lawmakers shot, authorities looking for 57-year-old suspect
