Fact Check: "Minnesota state lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman were shot multiple times at their homes in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, respectively, with each reportedly shot five or six times."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman was killed and another lawmaker, John Hoffman, was injured in a shooting incident described as "targeted political violence." According to the Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the attack involved a gunman impersonating a police officer and had a list of potential targets, which included both lawmakers. The specifics of the shooting, including the number of times they were shot, have not been confirmed in the available reports.
Analysis
The claim that both lawmakers were shot "five or six times" lacks direct corroboration from reliable sources. While it is confirmed that Hortman was killed and Hoffman was injured, the details surrounding the number of shots fired remain unclear. The reports from BBC and ABC News focus on the broader context of the attack rather than the specific details of the shooting itself.
The reliability of the sources reporting this incident varies. BBC and ABC News are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards, but the exact details of the shooting, such as the number of shots, may still be under investigation. Therefore, while the incident itself is confirmed, the specific claim about the number of shots fired should be treated with caution until more information is available.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The claim that both Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman were shot multiple times, specifically five or six times, lacks sufficient evidence and confirmation from reliable sources. While the incident itself is verified, further investigation is needed to clarify the specifics of the shooting.
