Fact Check: Suspect Disguised as Police Officer to Access Lawmakers' Homes
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in Minnesota where a suspect, Vance Boelter, was involved in targeted shootings that resulted in the deaths of former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as serious injuries to state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Authorities have confirmed that Boelter disguised himself as a police officer during these attacks, wearing a vest with a Taser and a badge to gain access to the lawmakers' homes (NPR, New York Times).
Witness accounts and police reports indicate that Boelter approached the homes under the pretense of being a law enforcement officer, which facilitated his entry and subsequent violent actions (Reuters, BBC).
Analysis
The claim that the suspect disguised himself as a police officer is supported by multiple credible sources. The NPR report details how Boelter was encountered by police while dressed in blue with black body armor, resembling a police uniform, and how he opened fire on officers who responded to the scene (NPR). This aligns with the New York Times' assertion that he utilized this disguise to facilitate his attacks on the lawmakers (New York Times).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. Additionally, the FBI's involvement and the ongoing investigation lend further credibility to the claims being made about Boelter's actions and motivations.
However, it is important to note that while the sources confirm the disguise aspect, they also highlight the broader context of Boelter's actions, including his potential motivations and the implications of political violence in the current climate (BBC).
Conclusion
The claim that Vance Boelter disguised himself as a police officer to access lawmakers' homes is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that he used this tactic to gain entry and carry out his violent acts against targeted individuals. The seriousness of this incident underscores the alarming trend of political violence and the lengths to which individuals may go to perpetrate such acts.
