Fact Check: "Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot at their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, in the predawn hours of Saturday, October 21, 2023."
What We Know
On October 21, 2023, House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were indeed fatally shot in their home located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. This tragic event was confirmed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz during a morning news conference, where he expressed his sorrow over the loss, stating, “Our state lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends” (source-1). The attack was described as a politically motivated assassination, and it was reported that another lawmaker, Senator John Hoffman, and his wife were also shot in a related incident but survived (source-1, source-8).
Analysis
The claim that Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot is supported by multiple credible sources, including official statements from government officials and news reports. Governor Walz's remarks highlight the impact of Hortman's leadership and the shock felt within the community and political circles (source-1, source-2). The Associated Press also reported on the incident, emphasizing the politically charged nature of the attack and the broader implications for safety among elected officials (source-8).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they include official government communications and reputable news outlets. The statements made by other lawmakers further corroborate the details of the incident and reflect a consensus on the severity and implications of the violence (source-1, source-5).
There are no credible sources disputing the occurrence of the shooting or the identities of the victims. The details provided are consistent across various reports, reinforcing the accuracy of the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot at their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, on October 21, 2023, is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms the tragic event and its implications for political safety in the United States.
Sources
- Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, husband killed in attack - House Minnesota
- Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, husband killed in attack - House Minnesota
- Minnesota's State Portal - mn.gov
- Minnesota - Wikipedia
- Husband of slain lawmaker was 'enthusiastic campaign spouse' - New York Times
- Minnesota - Simple English Wikipedia - Simple Wikipedia
- Geography of Minnesota - Wikipedia
- Minnesota lawmaker, spouse dead after targeted shooting - Associated Press
