Fact Check: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Melissa Hortman following her death on June 14, 2025.

Fact Check: "Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Melissa Hortman following her death on June 14, 2025."

What We Know

On June 14, 2025, Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman was tragically shot and killed. Following this incident, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across the state to honor her memory. In his statement, Governor Walz expressed that "Today Minnesota lost a great leader" and emphasized the impact of Hortman's work on gun control measures in the state (New York Times, CBS News). This act of lowering flags is a common practice in the United States to commemorate the lives of public figures who have passed away, particularly in violent circumstances.

Analysis

The claim that Governor Tim Walz ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Melissa Hortman is substantiated by multiple reliable news sources. The New York Times reported on the incident and included direct quotes from Governor Walz, confirming the order for flags to be lowered (New York Times). Similarly, CBS News provided coverage of the event, reiterating the governor's sentiments regarding Hortman's contributions to the state (CBS News).

Both sources are reputable and well-established in the field of journalism, which adds credibility to their reports. The New York Times is known for its thorough investigative journalism and fact-checking standards, while CBS News has a long history of providing reliable news coverage. The consistency of the reports across these platforms reinforces the accuracy of the claim.

However, it is important to note that the claim pertains to an event that is projected to occur in the future (June 14, 2025). As of the current date, this event has not yet transpired, and therefore, the claim cannot be verified as true or false until that date arrives.

Conclusion

Needs Research: While the claim is based on future events and is supported by credible sources, it cannot be fully verified until the specified date occurs. The act of lowering flags is a significant gesture, and the context surrounding it is sensitive, involving the loss of a public figure. Until June 14, 2025, further research will be necessary to confirm the details surrounding this claim.

Sources

1. Minnesota's State Portal
2. Flag Status - Minnesota.gov
3. Minnesota – Wikipedia
4. Minnesota - Simple English Wikipedia
5. Geography of Minnesota - Wikipedia
6. Outline of Minnesota - Wikipedia
7. Lawmaker who was fatally shot worked to tighten Minnesota's gun control ...
8. Gov. Walz orders flags at half-staff after Rep. Melissa Hortman's ...