Fact Check: "Melissa Hortman, 55, and her husband Mark, 58, were shot and killed at their home in Brooklyn Park on Saturday morning, and their deaths have been ruled as homicides."
What We Know
On Saturday morning, June 14, 2025, Representative Melissa Hortman, 55, and her husband Mark were shot and killed at their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The incident has been confirmed as a targeted attack, with both deaths ruled as homicides by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office. Reports indicate that the couple was attacked by a gunman impersonating a police officer, who also shot State Senator John A. Hoffman and his wife Yvette in a related incident nearby (source-1, source-6).
The suspect, identified as Vance Boelter, 57, was reportedly armed and had a list of potential targets, suggesting a premeditated attack on political figures (source-1, source-2). Governor Tim Walz described the shootings as "an act of targeted political violence" and emphasized the need for safety among public officials (source-2, source-6).
Analysis
The claim regarding the deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman is corroborated by multiple credible news sources, including the New York Times, BBC, and CBS News. Each source confirms that both individuals were shot and killed in their home, and that their deaths have been classified as homicides (source-1, source-2, source-5).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The New York Times and BBC are particularly noted for their thorough reporting and fact-checking processes. The information has also been supported by official statements from law enforcement and government officials, adding to the credibility of the claims (source-6, source-8).
Conclusion
The claim that Melissa Hortman, 55, and her husband Mark, 58, were shot and killed at their home in Brooklyn Park, and that their deaths have been ruled as homicides, is True. This conclusion is based on multiple reliable sources confirming the details of the incident and the official classification of the deaths.
Sources
- Live Updates: Manhunt for Assassin Stretches On as Minnesota Mourns ... New York Times
- Manhunt after two Minnesota state politicians targeted ... BBC
- Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband killed; Sen. John Hoffman, his wife ... Fox 9
- Manhunt on for suspect in killing of Minnesota House DFL ... MPR News
- Rep. Melissa Hortman killed, Sen. John Hoffman shot in 'targeted shootings' Star Tribune
- Minnesota House Democratic leader dead after 'politically motivated ... Minnesota Reformer
- Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman killed, state Sen. John ... CBS News
- Minnesota Rep. Hortman and husband killed, Sen. Hoffman and wife ... CBS News
