Fact Check: "Boelter killed State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband."
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was charged with the murders of Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. This incident occurred in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, where Boelter allegedly carried out a targeted attack against elected officials. He was also charged with the shooting of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, earlier the same day (source-1, source-2).
Boelter reportedly disguised himself as a police officer and used a vehicle equipped with police-style lights to approach the homes of these lawmakers. After shooting the Hoffmans, he fled the scene, leading to a two-day manhunt that culminated in his capture (source-1, source-4). The FBI described the attack as a politically motivated assassination, highlighting the chilling nature of the violence against public officials (source-2, source-4).
Analysis
The evidence surrounding the claim that Boelter killed Melissa Hortman and her husband is substantial and corroborated by multiple credible sources. The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed the charges against Boelter, which include murder and attempted murder (source-1). NPR reported that Boelter had a "hit list" of 45 elected officials, indicating a premeditated plan targeting specific individuals (source-2).
Moreover, the details of the attack, including Boelter's disguise and the method of approach, were described in detail by law enforcement officials, reinforcing the narrative of a targeted assassination (source-4). The reliability of these sources is high, as they include official statements from the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office, which are reputable and authoritative in criminal matters.
While the claim is serious and involves tragic events, the evidence presented by law enforcement and corroborated by multiple news outlets confirms that Boelter is indeed responsible for the murders of Melissa and Mark Hortman.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Vance Boelter killed State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband is substantiated by credible evidence from law enforcement and multiple news reports. The details of the attack, the charges filed against Boelter, and the context of the violence all support this conclusion.
Sources
- After Two-Day Manhunt, Suspect Charged with Shooting ... - Justice.gov
- Vance Boelter captured, charged in shooting of Minnesota lawmakers - NPR
- Minnesota shooting suspect went to homes of two more ... - BBC
- Chilling details emerge in Minnesota shootings as Vance ... - ABC News
- Minnesota Rep. Hortman and husband killed, Sen. ... - CBS News
