Fact Check: Had officers not proactively checked on Melissa Hortman's home, the attack may have continued throughout the day, according to an official.

Fact Check: "Had officers not proactively checked on Melissa Hortman's home, the attack may have continued throughout the day, according to an official."

What We Know

On June 14, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Minnesota where State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their home. The attack was part of a broader assault that also involved State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were injured in a related attack at their residence (source-1, source-2).

Law enforcement officials indicated that the suspect, who was impersonating an officer, had a manifesto containing a list of potential targets, which included other politicians and community leaders (source-2, source-3). During the chaos, officers conducting a proactive check on Hortman's home were reportedly fired upon by the suspect (source-4).

Analysis

The claim that the attack could have continued throughout the day had officers not proactively checked on Hortman's home is a serious assertion that implies a direct correlation between police action and the prevention of further violence. While it is confirmed that officers were conducting proactive checks and were fired upon during this process, the statement lacks direct attribution to a specific official or source that explicitly states this outcome.

The information comes from various news outlets reporting on the incident, including the New York Times and CBS News, which detail the events surrounding the attacks but do not provide a definitive source for the claim about the potential continuation of the attack. The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident appears high, as they are established news organizations with a history of journalistic integrity. However, the absence of a direct quote or statement from law enforcement officials regarding the specific claim raises questions about its veracity.

Furthermore, the context of the attack being politically motivated adds layers of complexity to the situation, as it reflects broader issues of political violence in the U.S. (source-2, source-6).

Conclusion

Needs Research: The claim that the attack may have continued throughout the day without the proactive police check is not substantiated by direct evidence or quotes from officials. While there is a logical basis for the assertion given the circumstances, the lack of a clear source or official statement makes it difficult to confirm. Further investigation is needed to verify the claim and understand the full context of the police actions and their implications.

Sources

1. Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, husband killed in attack
2. Live Updates: Manhunt for Assassin Stretches On as Minnesota Mourns ...
3. Minnesota shootings: Manhunt for suspect under way
4. Leaked Trump Admin Memo Warned of Home Attacks on Officials
5. Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman Killed, FBI Hunt ...
6. Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman killed, state Sen. John ... - CBS News