Fact Check: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the shooting of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband as 'targeted political violence' on June 14, 2025.

Fact Check: "Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the shooting of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband as 'targeted political violence' on June 14, 2025."

What We Know

On June 14, 2025, former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot in what has been described as a targeted attack. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz characterized the incident as “targeted political violence” during a press conference following the event (BBC, AP News). This characterization aligns with the broader context of increasing political tensions and violence in the United States, as noted by various commentators and officials (BBC, NY Times).

Analysis

The claim that Governor Tim Walz described the shooting as "targeted political violence" is accurate based on multiple credible sources. The BBC and AP News both report that Walz explicitly used this phrase in his remarks about the incident. These sources are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards, which adds to the reliability of the information presented.

However, it is important to note that while Walz's statement reflects a serious concern regarding political violence, the police have not confirmed any specific motive behind the shooting at the time of reporting (AP News). This lack of clarity regarding motive suggests that while the characterization of the attack as politically motivated is significant, it may not be fully substantiated until further investigations are completed.

Conclusion

The claim that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the shooting of Melissa Hortman and her husband as "targeted political violence" is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that Walz made this statement in the context of the tragic event. However, the ongoing investigation into the motive behind the shooting means that the full implications of his statement may evolve as more information becomes available.

Sources

1. Minnesota's State Portal
2. Minnesota – Wikipedia
3. Melissa Hortman and husband shot dead in targeted attack ...
4. Minnesota - Simple English Wikipedia
5. Geography of Minnesota - Wikipedia
6. Live Updates: Suspect Identified in Minnesota Lawmakers ...
7. Outline of Minnesota - Wikipedia
8. Minnesota lawmaker, spouse dead after targeted shooting