Fact Check: "Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed during the same attack on October 14, 2023, at their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota."
What We Know
On October 14, 2023, Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically shot and killed at their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. This incident was confirmed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who referred to it as an "act of targeted political violence" during a news conference (source-1). The attack also involved another state lawmaker, Senator John Hoffman, and his wife, who were shot in a related incident but survived (source-2).
Law enforcement officials reported that the suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, was impersonating an officer and used a vehicle resembling a police car to gain access to the victims' homes (source-2). A manifesto containing the names of other state politicians was found in the suspect's vehicle, indicating a broader motive behind the attacks (source-1).
Analysis
The claim that Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed during the same attack is supported by multiple reliable sources. The Minnesota House Democratic-Farmer-Labor caucus expressed their shock and devastation at the loss of Hortman, emphasizing the political nature of the violence (source-1). Governor Walz's statements and the ongoing investigation into the attacks lend further credibility to the claim, as they highlight the targeted nature of the violence against elected officials (source-2).
The sources used in this analysis come from established news organizations and official government statements, which typically maintain high standards of accuracy. The BBC and local Minnesota news outlets like Fox 9 and MPR News are known for their journalistic integrity and thorough reporting, making them reliable sources for this tragic event (source-2, source-4, source-6).
Conclusion
The claim that Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed during the same attack on October 14, 2023, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that they were victims of a targeted attack, which has been characterized as political violence against elected officials in Minnesota.
