Fact Check: "On June 14, 2025, a shooting in Minnesota resulted in the death of one state lawmaker and injuries to two others, which Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described as a politically motivated assassination."
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, a tragic shooting incident occurred in Minnesota, resulting in the death of Democratic state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Additionally, state Senator John Hoffman and his wife were injured in what has been described as a targeted attack. Law enforcement officials have identified a suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, who is believed to have impersonated a police officer during the attack. Reports indicate that a manifesto and a target list were found in Boelter's vehicle, which included the names of the lawmakers involved in the shooting, suggesting a politically motivated motive behind the violence (source-1, source-2).
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz characterized the shootings as politically motivated, stating that the attacks were aimed at instilling fear among public servants. This sentiment was echoed by various political figures, including Senator Tina Smith, who expressed heartbreak over the violence targeting public officials. The incident has raised concerns about the increasing polarization in American politics and the potential for violence stemming from political disagreements (source-1, source-2).
Analysis
The claim regarding the shooting being a politically motivated assassination is supported by multiple credible sources. The BBC reported that the attack was characterized as a targeted assassination, and Governor Walz explicitly stated that it was a politically motivated act. The identification of Vance Boelter as a suspect, along with the discovery of a manifesto in his vehicle, further corroborates the assertion that the attack was not random but rather aimed at specific political figures.
The New York Times provided additional context, noting that the attack occurred on a day when protests against former President Trump were planned nationwide, which may have influenced the suspect's actions. The presence of a target list in Boelter's vehicle, which included the names of the lawmakers, adds to the credibility of the claim that this was a politically motivated attack.
Both sources are reputable and provide detailed accounts of the events surrounding the shooting, including statements from law enforcement and political leaders. The consistent narrative across these reports strengthens the reliability of the information presented.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The evidence clearly supports the claim that the shooting on June 14, 2025, resulted in the death of one state lawmaker and injuries to two others, with Governor Tim Walz describing it as a politically motivated assassination. The identification of the suspect and the details surrounding the attack further confirm the politically charged nature of this tragic event.
