Fact Check: Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot at their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota on June 15, 2025.

Fact Check: "Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot at their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota on June 15, 2025."

What We Know

On June 15, 2025, Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically shot and killed in their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. This incident was confirmed by Governor Tim Walz during a morning news conference, where he expressed his condolences and described Hortman as a significant leader in the state, stating, “Our state lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends” (source). The attack was characterized as a political assassination, which has raised concerns about political violence in the United States (source).

Additionally, another lawmaker, Senator John Hoffman, and his wife were injured in a related attack, but they are expected to survive (source). The assailant was reported to have impersonated a police officer and was found with a manifesto targeting other state politicians (source).

Analysis

The claim regarding the fatal shooting of Melissa Hortman and her husband is supported by multiple credible sources. The official announcement from Governor Walz and the statements from fellow lawmakers provide a reliable account of the events. The Minnesota House of Representatives also released a statement expressing their shock and grief over the incident, further corroborating the details of the attack (source).

The nature of the attack, described as politically motivated, raises significant concerns about the safety of public officials. The involvement of a suspect impersonating a police officer and the discovery of a manifesto suggest a premeditated act of violence, which adds a layer of seriousness to the claim (source).

While the information is primarily sourced from official statements and news reports, it is essential to consider the potential for bias in the framing of the narrative. However, the corroboration from various officials and the media lends credibility to the reports. The urgency and gravity of the situation have been reflected in the responses from political leaders across the spectrum, indicating a unified condemnation of the violence (source, source).

Conclusion

The claim that Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot at their home in Brooklyn Park on June 15, 2025, is True. The evidence from official statements, news reports, and the context of the attack supports this assertion. The tragic loss of Hortman, a respected public servant, and the circumstances surrounding her death highlight the alarming issue of political violence in the United States.

Sources

1. Minnesota's State Portal
2. Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, husband killed in attack
3. Minnesota – Wikipedia
4. Minnesota assassination survivor and husband shot 17 times
5. Geography of Minnesota - Wikipedia
6. List of cities in Minnesota - Wikipedia
7. Minnesota - Simple English Wikipedia
8. The man suspected of shooting 2 Minnesota lawmakers ...