Fact Check: "The accused shooter targeted multiple Democratic lawmakers before the attack."
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, Vance Luther Boelter was charged with the stalking and murder of Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the shooting of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. According to court documents, Boelter had a calculated plan to inflict violence on elected officials and their families, equipping himself with firearms and disguising himself as a law enforcement officer (source-1).
Boelter's actions were premeditated; he had a list of potential targets that included multiple Minnesota state and federal elected officials, with notes detailing their home addresses (source-2). After attacking the Hoffmans, he attempted to contact two other lawmakers but did not succeed (source-3).
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies characterized the attacks as targeted political assassinations, emphasizing that they were acts of political violence against public servants (source-1).
Analysis
The evidence presented in the court documents and statements from law enforcement officials supports the claim that Boelter targeted multiple Democratic lawmakers. His premeditated actions, including the use of disguises and firearms, indicate a clear intent to commit violence against specific political figures. The fact that he had a list of targets and attempted to carry out attacks on more than one lawmaker reinforces the assertion that this was not a random act of violence but rather a calculated assault on elected officials (source-2).
The credibility of the sources is high, as they include official statements from the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI, both of which are reliable authorities in criminal investigations. These agencies have a vested interest in accurately reporting the details of such a serious incident, as it pertains to public safety and the integrity of the democratic process (source-1, source-3).
Conclusion
The claim that the accused shooter targeted multiple Democratic lawmakers before the attack is True. The evidence clearly shows that Vance Luther Boelter had a premeditated plan to attack specific elected officials, which included a list of targets and an attempt to carry out violent acts against them. This was characterized as a political assassination, underscoring the targeted nature of his actions.
Sources
- After Two-Day Manhunt, Suspect Charged with Shooting Two Minnesota Lawmakers and Their Spouses. Justice.gov
- After Two-Day Manhunt, Suspect Charged with Shooting Two Minnesota Lawmakers and Their Spouses. Justice.gov
- The suspect in the shooting of 2 Minnesota lawmakers had a list of targets. NPR.org
