Fact Check: "Minnesota Governor Tim Walz referred to the shooting of Melissa Hortman and her husband as a 'political assassination' and ordered flags to fly at half staff in their honor."
What We Know
The claim revolves around a statement made by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz regarding a recent violent incident involving political figures. According to a press release from the Governor's office, Tim Walz did indeed refer to the shooting of Melissa Hortman, the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, and her husband as a "politically motivated assassination." This statement was made in the context of expressing concern over targeted violence against lawmakers.
However, there is no mention in the available sources that Governor Walz ordered flags to fly at half staff specifically in honor of the Hortmans. The press release focuses on the condemnation of the violence and the implications for democracy, but does not detail any actions regarding flag protocol.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Governor Walz labeled the shooting as a "political assassination" is strong, as it is directly sourced from an official statement made by the Governor himself. Such statements typically carry significant weight and are considered reliable, particularly when they are disseminated through official government channels.
On the other hand, the assertion that flags were ordered to fly at half staff lacks corroboration in the available sources. The press release does not include any directive regarding flags, which raises questions about the accuracy of that part of the claim. The absence of this information in a formal statement suggests that this aspect may have been misreported or misinterpreted.
The reliability of the sources used in this fact-check is generally high, as they include official government communications and reputable news outlets. However, the lack of comprehensive coverage on the flag order means that further investigation is warranted to confirm or refute that specific detail.
Conclusion
Verdict: Needs Research
While it is confirmed that Governor Tim Walz referred to the shooting as a "political assassination," the claim that he ordered flags to fly at half staff in honor of the Hortmans is unverified and not supported by the available evidence. More research is needed to clarify this aspect of the claim.
