Fact Check: "Democratic House leader Melissa Hortman was assassinated 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 incident has been described by officials as a politically motivated assassination. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz characterized the event as “targeted political violence,” and the House DFL Caucus confirmed the tragic news, expressing their devastation over the loss of their leader (House DFL Caucus statement, Governor Polis Statement).
The shootings occurred early in the morning, shortly after 2 a.m., when a suspect, later identified as Vance Boelter, allegedly posed as a police officer to gain access to the home. Following the attack on Hortman and her husband, a second attack targeted State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were also shot but survived (AP News, ABC News).
Authorities have launched a manhunt for Boelter, who is believed to have been armed and dangerous, and they have indicated that the attacks were politically motivated, with evidence suggesting that the suspect had writings targeting various lawmakers (AP News, CNN).
Analysis
The claim that Melissa Hortman was assassinated is supported by multiple credible sources, including statements from government officials and news reports from reputable outlets. The House DFL Caucus's statement explicitly refers to the incident as an assassination, underscoring the political implications of the violence (House DFL Caucus statement). Governor Polis's comments further reinforce this characterization, emphasizing the need to reject political violence in the nation (Governor Polis Statement).
The Associated Press and other major news organizations have reported on the details surrounding the shooting, confirming the identities of the victims and the circumstances of the attack (AP News, ABC News). The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting.
Moreover, the ongoing investigation by law enforcement, including the FBI, adds a layer of credibility to the reports, as they are actively pursuing the suspect and have provided updates on the situation (AP News, New York Times).
However, it is essential to note that while the evidence points to a politically motivated assassination, the full motives and details surrounding the suspect's actions are still under investigation. The presence of writings targeting lawmakers indicates a broader context of political violence that has been a growing concern in the United States (AP News, New York Times).
Conclusion
The claim that Democratic House leader Melissa Hortman was assassinated on June 14, 2025, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that she and her husband were killed in what has been described as a politically motivated attack. The statements from government officials and the ongoing investigation further substantiate this tragic event.
Sources
- Rep. Melissa Hortman - House DFL Caucus statement on the ...
- Governor Polis Statement on Assassination of Minnesota ...
- Manhunt Underway for Suspect in Shootings of Minnesota ...
- Who Are Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, the Minnesota Lawmakers Who ...
- Minnesota lawmaker, spouse dead after targeted shooting | AP News
- June 14, 2025 - News on the manhunt for gunman who shot Minnesota ...
- Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman killed, State Sen. John ... - ABC News
- Emerita Hortman killed in Minnesota shooting, John Hoffman also shot
