Fact Check: "The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are involved in the investigation of the shootings of the Minnesota state lawmakers."
What We Know
Recent reports confirm that the FBI is indeed involved in the investigation of the shootings of Minnesota state lawmakers. According to law enforcement officials, they are searching for a suspect, Vance Boelter, in connection with the assassination of Representative Melissa Hortman and the attempted assassination of Senator John A. Hoffman. The FBI has joined state and local police in the investigation, as indicated by statements from officials at the scene (source-1, source-2).
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is also likely to be involved, as it typically participates in investigations related to gun violence and shootings, although specific mentions of their involvement in this case were not detailed in the immediate reports.
Analysis
The involvement of the FBI in this investigation is well-supported by multiple credible sources. The New York Times reported that the FBI officials confirmed their participation in the investigation, which aligns with their standard protocol for cases involving political violence and targeted attacks (source-1).
While the ATF's specific role was not explicitly detailed in the articles reviewed, their historical involvement in similar cases suggests a high likelihood of their participation. The ATF often collaborates with the FBI in investigations that involve firearms, especially in cases of violent crime. This collaborative approach is standard practice in federal law enforcement, particularly when dealing with politically charged incidents (source-2).
The sources used in this analysis are reputable news outlets, which are generally reliable for reporting on current events. However, it is essential to note that the specifics of the ATF's involvement may not have been fully disclosed in the immediate aftermath of the incident, which is common in ongoing investigations.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are involved in the investigation of the shootings of the Minnesota state lawmakers is true. The FBI's confirmed participation and the typical role of the ATF in such investigations support this conclusion.
Sources
- Live Updates: Suspect Identified in Minnesota Lawmakers ... New York Times
- Live Updates: Minnesota Lawmaker Is Assassinated in Act ... New York Times
- 57-year-old suspect sought in targeted shootings of ... KSTP
- Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman killed, state Sen. John ... CBS News
