Fact Check: "Suspect had a hit list of 70 political targets, including Senator Klobuchar."
What We Know
Following the tragic shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers, Vance Luther Boelter was arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. Reports indicate that Boelter had a "hit list" containing the names of approximately 70 individuals, primarily Democratic politicians, including U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and other state officials (source-1, source-6). The list was reportedly discovered in Boelter's vehicle, along with other writings that suggested he had been planning these attacks for some time (source-3).
Analysis
The claim that Boelter had a hit list of 70 political targets, including Senator Klobuchar, is supported by multiple credible sources. The New York Times and Mediaite both confirm the existence of this list and its contents, which included high-profile Democratic figures (source-1, source-6). However, the number of targets reported varies; some sources mention 45 targets (source-3), while others assert the list includes around 70 individuals.
The discrepancy in the number of targets raises questions about the accuracy of the reports. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has not officially confirmed the exact number of names on the list, which complicates the verification of this claim. Additionally, while the sources reporting on the hit list are generally reliable, the potential for sensationalism in the media coverage of such violent incidents should be considered.
Conclusion
The claim that the suspect had a hit list of 70 political targets, including Senator Klobuchar, is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence supporting the existence of a hit list that includes Klobuchar, the exact number of targets is inconsistent across sources. This inconsistency suggests that while the core of the claim is valid, the details may require further clarification.
Sources
- Suspect in Minnesota Killings Had Named Dozens of Potential Targets
- What we know about the attack on two Minnesota lawmakers
- The suspect in the shooting of 2 Minnesota lawmakers had a 'hit list ...
- Minnesota shootings suspect was a 'prepper', FBI says
- Man suspected of shooting Minnesota lawmakers in ...
- MN Suspect Vance Boelter's 'Hit List' Named About 70 Targets