Fact Check: "On Saturday, October 21, 2023, Vance Boelter allegedly shot and killed Democratic state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and allegedly shot and wounded Democratic state Senator John Hoffman and his wife in Minnesota."
What We Know
On October 21, 2023, Vance Boelter was involved in a violent incident that resulted in the deaths of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, as well as the wounding of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman. According to the Department of Justice, Boelter was charged with stalking and murdering the Hortmans and with stalking and shooting the Hoffmans. The events unfolded in the early morning hours of June 14, 2025, not October 21, 2023, as the claim states.
The shooting was described as a targeted attack against elected officials, with Boelter allegedly disguising himself as a police officer to gain access to the victims' homes (New York Times). The incident led to a significant manhunt, which concluded with Boelter's arrest shortly after the shootings (NBC News).
Analysis
The claim that the shootings occurred on October 21, 2023, is incorrect. The actual events took place on June 14, 2025. This discrepancy in dates is crucial, as it misrepresents the timeline of the tragic events. The sources confirm that Boelter was charged in connection with these crimes, and the details surrounding the shootings have been extensively reported (CBS News, Newsweek).
The reliability of the sources used to confirm these facts is high. The Department of Justice and major news outlets like The New York Times and NBC News are reputable and have a history of accurate reporting. They provide detailed accounts of the incident, including the motivations behind the attack and the subsequent legal actions taken against Boelter.
However, the claim's reliance on an incorrect date raises questions about its validity. The confusion may stem from the ongoing coverage of the case, but the established timeline is clear and documented.
Conclusion
The claim that Vance Boelter shot and killed Melissa Hortman and her husband on October 21, 2023, is False. The actual events occurred on June 14, 2025, and the details surrounding the case have been confirmed by multiple credible sources. The misrepresentation of the date significantly alters the context of the events, making the claim inaccurate.
Sources
- After Two-Day Manhunt, Suspect Charged with Shooting ...
- What We Know About the Minnesota Shooting Suspect
- How the Shootings of the Minnesota Lawmakers Unfolded
- Minnesota lawmaker shooting suspect 'stalked his victims ...
- Vance Boelter Update: What Court Documents Reveal About Alleged As…
- Minnesota lawmaker shootings suspect to make first court ...
- Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman killed, state Sen. John ...
- Minnesota lawmakers shot, manhunt underway for Vance ...
