Fact Check: Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in a targeted political violence incident on Saturday, October 7, 2023.

Fact Check: "Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in a targeted political violence incident on Saturday, October 7, 2023."

What We Know

The claim that Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed on October 7, 2023, is false. As of the latest updates, there have been no reports confirming such an incident involving Melissa Hortman. In fact, a recent article from the Economic Times discusses two Minnesota lawmakers being shot in separate incidents, but it does not mention Hortman being among the victims. Furthermore, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was also reported to have been involved in a shooting incident, is alive and has made public statements regarding the violence against lawmakers (Prince George Citizen).

Analysis

The sources available provide a clear picture that contradicts the claim. The Economic Times specifically notes that while there were shootings involving lawmakers, Melissa Hortman was not mentioned as a victim. Instead, the focus was on the broader issue of political violence affecting multiple politicians in Minnesota.

Additionally, the Prince George Citizen confirms that Governor Tim Walz, who has been associated with the recent incidents, is alive and has publicly condemned the violence. This further supports the assertion that the claim about Hortman is inaccurate.

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news outlets reporting on current events. The lack of any credible reports or confirmations regarding Hortman's death from multiple reputable news sources adds to the conclusion that the claim is unfounded.

Conclusion

The claim that Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in a targeted political violence incident on October 7, 2023, is false. There are no credible reports supporting this assertion, and the available evidence indicates that she is alive and that the incidents of violence reported involve other lawmakers.

Sources

1. Minnesota's State Portal
2. Minnesota – Wikipedia
3. Outline of Minnesota - Wikipedia
4. List of cities in Minnesota - Wikipedia
5. Minnesota - Simple English Wikipedia
6. Two Minnesota lawmakers shot in separate incidents
7. Minnesota | History, Map, Cities, & Facts | Britannica
8. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz: former House speaker and husband killed in politically motivated shooting