Fact Check: "Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot two weeks ago."
What We Know
On June 15, 2025, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were fatally shot in their home 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 politically motivated, with another state senator, John Hoffman, and his wife also being shot in a related incident, although they survived (source-3).
Hortman was a prominent figure in Minnesota politics, serving as the Speaker of the House from 2019 until her death. She was known for her advocacy on issues such as gun control and police reform (source-2). The suspected shooter, Vance Boelter, was apprehended after a manhunt and is believed to have been impersonating a police officer during the attack (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot is supported by multiple credible sources. Governor Walz's announcement and the statements from various political leaders confirm the tragic nature of the event and its implications for political safety in the United States. The reports emphasize the political motivations behind the shootings, highlighting a manifesto found with the suspect that listed other politicians, which underscores the severity of the attack as an act of political violence (source-1, source-3).
The sources used in this fact-check are reliable, including official statements from government officials and news reports from established media outlets. The emotional responses from colleagues and political leaders further validate the impact of this event on the community and the political landscape in Minnesota (source-2, source-4).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot is accurate. The incident has been confirmed by multiple credible sources, including government officials and news organizations, and reflects a significant and tragic event in Minnesota's political history.
