Fact Check: "The FBI reported that Vance Boelter visited the homes of two other Minnesota lawmakers the night he killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and wounded Sen. John Hoffman."
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, Vance Boelter was charged with the murders of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the shooting of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. According to multiple sources, Boelter had a calculated plan to target elected officials and their families. He was reported to have visited the homes of two other Minnesota lawmakers before proceeding to the Hortman residence, although he did not make contact with either of those officials or their families (source-1, source-4, source-6).
The FBI confirmed that Boelter was disguised as a law enforcement officer during these visits, which he used as part of his strategy to instill fear and carry out his violent acts (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that Boelter visited the homes of two other lawmakers is supported by official reports from law enforcement and media coverage. The FBI's statement regarding Boelter's actions prior to the shootings is credible, as it is corroborated by multiple reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Justice and major news outlets like NPR and BBC (source-3, source-4).
However, it is important to note that while Boelter did visit the homes of two lawmakers, he did not make contact with them or their families. This detail is crucial as it distinguishes between an attempted attack and an actual confrontation. The distinction is reflected in the language used by law enforcement, which emphasizes his intent to target but not necessarily engage with those officials (source-1, source-6).
Conclusion
The claim that Vance Boelter visited the homes of two other Minnesota lawmakers the night he killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and wounded Sen. John Hoffman is Partially True. While it is accurate that he visited their homes, he did not make contact with either of them or their families. Therefore, while the claim reflects part of the events, it lacks the full context of Boelter's actions and intentions.
Sources
- After Two-Day Manhunt, Suspect Charged with Shooting ... (https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/after-two-day-manhunt-suspect-charged-shooting-two-minnesota-lawmakers-and-their-spouses)
- After Two-Day Manhunt, Suspect Charged with Shooting ... (https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/after-two-day-manhunt-suspect-charged-shooting-two-minnesota-lawmakers-and-their-spouses)
- The suspect in the shooting of 2 Minnesota lawmakers had ... (https://www.npr.org/2025/06/16/nx-s1-5433748/minnesota-shooting-suspect-vance-boelter-arrested-melissa-hortman-john-hoffman)
- Minnesota suspect attempted to kill two other state ... (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98j5e34dy6o)
- 美国四的 NSA、CIA、FBI、DHS 有什么不同？ - 知乎 (https://www.zhihu.com/question/21737478)
- Vance Boelter went to other lawmakers' homes the night he ... (https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/vance-boelter-fbi-details-charges-suspect-minnesota-lawmaker-shootings/)
