Fact Check: "State Rep. Melissa Hortman, 55, and her husband were killed in their Brooklyn Park home, while state Sen. John Hoffman, 60, and his wife were shot in their Champlin home on June 14, 2025."
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, tragic events unfolded in Minnesota involving prominent state lawmakers. House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their home in Brooklyn Park. Governor Tim Walz confirmed the news during a press conference, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of Hortman, whom he described as a "great leader" and "dearest of friends" (source-1). In a related incident, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot in their home in Champlin but were reported to be in stable condition following surgery (source-2, source-3).
Law enforcement indicated that the shootings were politically motivated, with the suspect reportedly impersonating a police officer and possessing a manifesto that included the names of other state politicians (source-5, source-4). The incident has been condemned by various political leaders, emphasizing the severity of political violence in the United States (source-6, source-7).
Analysis
The claim that State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed while State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot is corroborated by multiple reliable sources. The details of the incident have been consistently reported across major news outlets, including the Associated Press and The New York Times, which are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards (source-5, source-3).
The context surrounding the shootings indicates a politically charged atmosphere, with statements from political leaders emphasizing the need to address violence against elected officials (source-1). The involvement of law enforcement and the ongoing investigation into the suspect further supports the seriousness of the situation (source-4).
While some sources may have varying levels of detail, the core facts remain consistent: Hortman was killed, and Hoffman was injured alongside his wife. The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, given their established reputations in reporting significant news events.
Conclusion
The claim that State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in their Brooklyn Park home, while State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot in their Champlin home on June 14, 2025, is True. The details are supported by multiple credible sources, and the events have been widely reported and confirmed by various news outlets.
Sources
- Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, husband killed in attack
- Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, husband killed in attack
- Who Are Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, the Minnesota Lawmakers Who ...
- Live Updates: Manhunt for Assassin Stretches On as ...
- Minnesota lawmaker, spouse dead after targeted shooting
- Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband killed; Sen. John Hoffman, his wife ...
- Minnesota Rep. Hortman and husband killed, Sen. ...
- Rep. Melissa Hortman killed, Sen. John Hoffman shot in 'targeted shootings'