Fact Check: Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in a shooting incident that occurred early on October 7, 2023.

Fact Check: "Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in a shooting incident that occurred early on October 7, 2023."

What We Know

On October 7, 2023, House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically killed in a shooting incident at their home. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed the news during a press conference, expressing his deep sorrow over the loss of a "great leader" and a "dearest friend" (source). The incident also involved Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who were shot but are expected to survive (source).

Law enforcement officials reported that the suspect was impersonating an officer and was found with a manifesto that included the names of other state politicians (source). This incident has been described as an "unspeakable act of political violence" by the House DFL Caucus, highlighting the serious implications of targeting elected officials in such a manner (source).

Analysis

The claim regarding the deaths of Melissa Hortman and her husband is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The initial report from the Minnesota House's official website provides direct quotes from Governor Walz and statements from other political leaders, confirming the tragic event and its impact on the community (source).

The Associated Press also reported on the incident, identifying the suspect and detailing the circumstances surrounding the shooting, which adds credibility to the information provided (source). The consistency across these reports suggests that the information is accurate and well-sourced.

In evaluating the sources, the Minnesota House's official website is a primary source, offering firsthand accounts and statements from key political figures. The Associated Press is a reputable news organization known for its journalistic standards, further reinforcing the reliability of the information presented.

Conclusion

The claim that Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in a shooting incident on October 7, 2023, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the occurrence of this tragic event, including direct statements from government officials and law enforcement.

Sources

1. Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, husband killed in attack
2. index / mn.gov // Minnesota's State Portal
3. Minnesota – Wikipedia
4. Geography of Minnesota - Wikipedia
5. List of cities in Minnesota - Wikipedia
6. Minnesota lawmaker, spouse dead after targeted shooting
7. Minnesota - Simple English Wikipedia
8. Portal:Minnesota - Wikipedia