Fact Check: "The break-in at Hortman's home is seen as a second attack on the family."
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically shot and killed in their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. This incident was described by authorities as a politically motivated attack by Vance Luther Boelter, who was later arrested and charged with their murders (ABC News, CNBC). Just three days later, on June 20, 2025, a break-in was reported at the same residence. Police stated that the plywood covering a broken rear window had been pried off, indicating forced entry. However, family members reported that they did not believe anything was missing from the home (ABC News, CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that the break-in feels like a second attack on the Hortman family is supported by the context surrounding the events. The break-in occurred shortly after the violent murder of the Hortmans, which was already a traumatic experience for the family and their community. The police's description of the break-in as a search by an unknown individual, coupled with the family's distress over the recent loss, reinforces the perception of this incident as an additional assault on the family’s sense of safety and security (ABC News, CNBC).
The reliability of the sources reporting these events is high, as they include reputable news organizations such as ABC News, CNBC, and CBS News, which have a history of accurate reporting on significant events. However, it is essential to note that the emotional language used in reporting can sometimes influence public perception. The phrase "second attack" may not be a legal term but rather reflects the emotional and psychological impact on the family and community (ABC News, Fox 9).
While the break-in was indeed a distressing event, the lack of stolen items suggests that the motive behind the break-in remains unclear. This ambiguity complicates the assertion that it was a deliberate continuation of the earlier attack.
Conclusion
The claim that the break-in at Hortman's home is seen as a second attack on the family is Partially True. The timing and nature of the break-in, occurring shortly after a violent murder, contribute to a perception of ongoing victimization. However, the absence of stolen items and the unclear motives behind the break-in suggest that while it may feel like a second attack emotionally, it does not meet the criteria of a legally defined attack. Thus, the emotional context supports the claim, but the factual basis is less definitive.
