Fact Check: "Boelter shot Sen. John Hoffman nine times before killing the Hortmans."
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, Vance Boelter was involved in a violent attack targeting Minnesota lawmakers, including State Senator John Hoffman and House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. Reports indicate that Boelter shot both Senator Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, when he arrived at their home disguised as a police officer. However, contrary to the claim, it has been reported that both Hoffmans survived the attack. Specifically, it was stated that "prosecutors say he also shot State Senator John A. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Both Hoffmans survived" (source-2). The attack on the Hoffmans was part of a broader plan that led to the tragic deaths of the Hortmans, who were also targeted by Boelter (source-1).
Analysis
The claim that Boelter shot Senator Hoffman nine times is not supported by the available evidence. Reports indicate that while Boelter did shoot at the Hoffmans, both survived the attack (source-2). Furthermore, the details surrounding the incident suggest that Boelter's actions were part of a targeted attack against multiple public officials, which culminated in the murders of the Hortmans. The FBI and local law enforcement agencies have characterized these acts as politically motivated violence, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation (source-1).
The source of the claim appears to lack credible backing, as the only reports of Hoffman being shot nine times come from sensationalized interpretations rather than verified accounts. The reliability of the sources reporting the incident, particularly those that confirm the survival of the Hoffmans, further undermines the claim's validity. For instance, the NBC News report on the incident confirms that Senator Hoffman was shot but does not specify the number of shots, reinforcing the ambiguity surrounding the claim (source-6).
Conclusion
The claim that "Boelter shot Sen. John Hoffman nine times before killing the Hortmans" is False. The evidence clearly indicates that both Senator Hoffman and his wife survived the attack, and there is no credible source confirming that he was shot nine times. The narrative surrounding the incident has been sensationalized, leading to misinformation about the details of the attack.
