Fact Check: "The initial autopsy reports from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office indicated that Melissa Hortman died from multiple gunshot wounds at the scene on June 14, 2025."
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their home. Multiple sources confirm that the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office reported both individuals died from "multiple gunshot wounds" (source-1, source-3, source-5). Reports indicate that Melissa Hortman was pronounced dead at the scene, which aligns with the initial autopsy findings (source-6).
Analysis
The claim that the initial autopsy reports indicated Melissa Hortman died from multiple gunshot wounds is supported by several credible news sources, including the New York Times and CBS News, which both cite the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office as the source of this information (source-1, source-6). The consistency of the reports across various outlets lends credibility to the assertion.
However, while the reports confirm the cause of death, they do not specify the exact wording of the autopsy report at the time of release. The claim suggests a definitive statement from the Medical Examiner's Office, which may not be fully substantiated by the available reports. The phrase "initial autopsy reports" implies that there could be further details or changes in subsequent reports, which are not covered in the immediate news articles.
The reliability of the sources is generally high, as they are established news organizations reporting on a significant event involving public figures. However, the potential for misinterpretation or miscommunication exists, especially in the immediate aftermath of such events when information is rapidly disseminated.
Conclusion
The claim that "the initial autopsy reports from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office indicated that Melissa Hortman died from multiple gunshot wounds at the scene on June 14, 2025" is False. While the reports confirm that she died from multiple gunshot wounds, they do not explicitly state that the Medical Examiner's Office provided this information in the exact phrasing as claimed. The initial reports may have conveyed the cause of death, but the phrasing of the claim suggests a level of specificity that is not fully supported by the evidence.
Sources
- Manhunt for Suspect in Political Assassination Rattles Minnesota - New York Times
- Medical examiner's office | Hennepin County - Hennepin County
- Search continues for suspect in killing of Melissa Hortman - MinnPost
- Suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota lawmakers still at large - Spectrum Local News
- Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband assassinated; Sen. John Hoffman, his ... - Fox 9
- Minnesota Rep. Hortman and husband killed, Sen. ... - CBS News
- Authorities still searching for suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota ... - PennLive
- Search for suspect in shooting of Minnesota state ... - WWLTV
