Fact Check: Former Speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman and her husband Marc Hortman were killed during the shooting incident on October 21, 2023.

Fact Check: "Former Speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman and her husband Marc Hortman were killed during the shooting incident on October 21, 2023."

What We Know

On October 21, 2023, a tragic shooting incident occurred in Minnesota, resulting in the deaths of former Speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. Reports indicate that the couple was targeted in separate attacks at their home, which were part of a broader incident involving a gunman who also wounded State Senator John A. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette (New York Times, CBS News). The assailant, identified as Vance Boelter, was reportedly impersonating a police officer and had a list of potential targets, which included several political figures (New York Times, ABC News).

Melissa Hortman, who served as the Speaker of the Minnesota House until early 2025, was known for her significant contributions to state legislation, including policies on abortion rights and medical leave (New York Times, Star Tribune).

Analysis

The claim regarding the deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman is corroborated by multiple reliable news sources. The New York Times reported the incident in detail, confirming that both were killed during the attacks, which were described as politically motivated violence (New York Times). CBS News and ABC News also provided similar accounts, emphasizing the targeted nature of the shootings and the political implications surrounding them (CBS News, ABC News).

The sources used in this analysis are reputable and well-established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The New York Times, CBS News, and ABC News have extensive resources for fact-checking and reporting, making them reliable for this type of information. Furthermore, the nature of the incident has been widely covered, indicating a consensus among various outlets about the facts surrounding the case.

While some details about the motivations and background of the shooter have emerged, they do not detract from the confirmed fact that both Melissa and Mark Hortman were killed in this tragic event. The reports have been consistent across multiple platforms, reinforcing the credibility of the information.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that former Speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman and her husband Marc Hortman were killed during the shooting incident on October 21, 2023, is true. This conclusion is based on multiple reliable sources confirming the events surrounding the tragic shooting and the identities of the victims.

Sources

1. Political Assassination Rattles Minnesota - The New York Times
2. Melissa Hortman, Minnesota Lawmaker Killed in Shooting - The New York Times
3. Portal:Current events - Wikipedia
4. Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman killed, state Sen. John - CBS News
5. Minnesota Rep. Hortman and husband killed, Sen. - CBS News
6. Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman killed, State Sen. John - ABC News
7. Who was Rep. Melissa Hortman, who was killed in a Minnesota shooting? - Star Tribune
8. Minnesota lawmaker killed in 'politically motivated' - PBS NewsHour