Fact Check: "Former Speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman and her husband Marc Hortman were killed in the shooting incident."
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, a tragic shooting incident occurred in Minnesota, resulting in the deaths of former Speaker of the Minnesota House, Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Marc Hortman. Reports indicate that the couple was targeted in separate attacks at their homes, which were part of a broader act of political violence that also left State Senator John A. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, wounded (source, source). The assailant, identified as Vance Boelter, was reportedly impersonating an officer and had a list of potential targets, which included approximately 70 individuals, many of whom were political figures (source).
Melissa Hortman, who served as the speaker from 2019 until early 2025, was known for her significant contributions to Minnesota's legislative landscape, including key policies on abortion rights and marijuana legalization (source).
Analysis
The claim that Melissa and Marc Hortman were killed in the shooting incident is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The New York Times reported on the incident, detailing how the gunman killed the Hortmans and wounded Senator Hoffman and his wife in what has been classified as a targeted political assassination (source). This source is reputable and widely recognized for its journalistic integrity, making it a reliable account of the events.
Additionally, CBS News corroborated the details of the shooting, confirming that both Melissa and Marc Hortman were indeed killed, while also providing context about the broader implications of the attack on political figures in the U.S. (source). The coverage from CBS News is also credible, as it is a major news outlet with a history of accurate reporting.
The nature of the attack has been described as part of a disturbing trend of violence against political figures, which has raised concerns across party lines (source). This context adds weight to the seriousness of the incident and the implications for political discourse in the United States.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that former Speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman and her husband Marc Hortman were killed in the shooting incident is true. Multiple reputable sources confirm their deaths as a result of a politically motivated attack, highlighting the tragic nature of the event and its implications for political safety.
Sources
- Political Assassination Rattles Minnesota - The New York Times
- Melissa Hortman, Minnesota Lawmaker Killed in Shooting, Is Remembered ... - The New York Times
- Children of Melissa and Mark Hortman issue message following fatal shooting - CBS News
- Minnesota Rep. Hortman and husband killed, Sen. ... - CBS News
- What to know about Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, the ... - ABC News
