Fact Check: Mourners lined up for blocks to pay tribute to Melissa Hortman
What We Know
Following the tragic deaths of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were fatally shot at their home, a significant outpouring of grief occurred in Minnesota. On the day they lay in state at the Minnesota Capitol, thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects. Reports indicate that at one point, a line of mourners stretched around the block outside the Capitol in St. Paul, as people slowly passed through the rotunda to honor the couple, who were lying in wooden caskets decorated with floral arrangements (New York Times). The event was marked by emotional tributes from both officials and citizens, highlighting the impact of the Hortmans on their community (Minnesota Reformer).
Analysis
The claim that "mourners lined up for blocks to pay tribute to Melissa Hortman" is supported by multiple credible sources. The New York Times reported that "a line of mourners stretched around the block outside the Capitol," confirming the scale of the gathering (New York Times). Additionally, the Minnesota Reformer noted that "thousands of Minnesotans lined up" to pay their respects, further corroborating the claim (Minnesota Reformer).
Both sources are reputable, with the New York Times being a well-established national newspaper known for its journalistic integrity, and the Minnesota Reformer being a local news outlet that focuses on state issues. The emotional weight of the event was captured through various personal accounts, such as individuals bringing flowers and even their pets to honor the couple, indicating a deep community connection and mourning ([your]NEWS](source-7)).
The sources do not present any conflicting information regarding the attendance or the nature of the tribute, reinforcing the reliability of the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that mourners lined up for blocks to pay tribute to Melissa Hortman is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources consistently supports this assertion, detailing the significant turnout and emotional atmosphere surrounding the memorial event.
