Fact Check: Joseph Thompson, acting U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota, stated that the killing of Melissa Hortman was a political assassination.

Fact Check: "Joseph Thompson, acting U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota, stated that the killing of Melissa Hortman was a political assassination."

What We Know

Joseph H. Thompson, who was appointed as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, has a significant background in federal prosecution, having served for over sixteen years. He has been involved in high-profile cases, including the Feeding Our Future investigation, which was recognized as one of the largest COVID-19 fraud cases in the United States (source-1).

In the context of the tragic shooting that resulted in the death of Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Thompson described the incident as a "targeted attack against individuals who answered the call to public service" and referred to the nature of the attack as "political assassinations" (source-2). This statement was made following the arrest of the suspect, Vance Boelter, who allegedly had a "hit list" of elected officials, all of whom were Democrats, indicating a politically motivated attack (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that Joseph Thompson labeled the killing of Melissa Hortman as a political assassination is supported by multiple credible sources. Thompson's statement was made in a press conference where he outlined the chilling details of the attack, emphasizing that the suspect had targeted lawmakers and had a list of officials he intended to harm (source-2).

The context in which Thompson made his remarks is critical. The attack was not only violent but also politically charged, as it involved a suspect who had meticulously planned the assault against elected officials. This adds weight to Thompson's characterization of the incident as a political assassination, aligning with the broader concerns about political violence in the United States (source-4).

Moreover, Thompson's credibility as a source is bolstered by his extensive experience in federal law enforcement and his recent appointment to a significant position within the U.S. Attorney's Office. His statements are not only informed by the facts of the case but also reflect a professional understanding of the implications of political violence (source-1).

Conclusion

The claim that Joseph Thompson stated the killing of Melissa Hortman was a political assassination is True. Thompson's remarks were made in the context of a targeted attack on lawmakers, which he explicitly described as politically motivated. The evidence from reliable sources supports this characterization, highlighting the serious nature of the crime and its implications for political safety.

Sources

1. District of Minnesota | President Donald J. Trump Appoints Joseph H. Thompson Acting United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota
2. The suspect in the shooting of 2 Minnesota lawmakers had a 'hit list' of 45 officials
3. Live Updates: Minnesota Suspect Also Went to Homes of 2 Lawmakers
4. Minneapolis lawmaker shootings suspect faces federal and state charges
5. Minnesota shootings suspect faces 6 federal charges and state charges
6. Trump appoints Feeding Our Future prosecutor to Acting US Attorney for Minnesota
7. Members of Congress want more security after Minnesota lawmaker shootings
8. Lead federal prosecutor in Feeding Our Future trials named Minnesota's new acting US attorney