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 Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were indeed fatally shot in their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. This tragic event was confirmed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz during a press conference, where he expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Hortman, describing her as a "great leader" and a "dear friend" (source). The incident was characterized as an act of political violence, with the House DFL Caucus condemning the shootings and highlighting the unspeakable nature of such violence against elected officials (source).
Additionally, another lawmaker, Senator John Hoffman, and his wife were also shot in a related attack but are expected to survive (source). Law enforcement officials reported that the shooter was impersonating a police officer and had a manifesto that included the names of other state politicians (source).
Analysis
The claim that Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot is supported by multiple credible sources. The official announcement from Governor Walz and statements from various political leaders confirm the details of the incident, establishing a reliable narrative of the events that transpired (source).
The source of this information, particularly the Minnesota House of Representatives' session daily report, is a direct account from state officials, which lends significant credibility to the claim. Furthermore, the context provided by the statements from political figures, including expressions of grief and condemnation of political violence, reinforces the seriousness of the incident and its implications for public safety and political discourse in the United States (source).
While some sources, such as Wikipedia entries, provide background information on Minnesota and its political landscape, they do not directly address the incident in question, making them less relevant for verifying this specific claim (source, source). The Associated Press article detailing the arrest of the suspect further corroborates the events surrounding the shooting, indicating ongoing investigations and the broader implications of the attack on state lawmakers (source).
Conclusion
The claim that Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot at their home on June 15, 2025, is True. This conclusion is based on multiple credible reports from state officials and news outlets, confirming the tragic event and its context as an act of political violence.
