Fact Check: "The shootings occurred around 2 a.m. on October 14, 2023, at the home of State Senator John Hoffman in Champlin, Minnesota."
What We Know
On October 14, 2023, early in the morning, two separate shootings targeting Minnesota lawmakers occurred. According to reports, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot and wounded at their home in Champlin, Minnesota, around 2 a.m. This incident was part of a series of violent events that also included the fatal shooting of Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband at their home in Brooklyn Park, just a few miles away (NPR, ABC News). Governor Tim Walz described the shootings as "targeted political violence," indicating a serious concern for the safety of public officials (CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that the shootings occurred at 2 a.m. on October 14, 2023, at the home of State Senator John Hoffman is corroborated by multiple reliable sources. Reports from both ABC News and NPR confirm the timing and location of the incident. The details provided by law enforcement and state officials lend credibility to these accounts, as they are based on official statements and eyewitness reports.
The context surrounding the shootings also adds weight to the claim. The incidents were described as part of a broader pattern of violence against lawmakers, which has raised alarm among state and federal officials (CBS News). The presence of a suspect impersonating a police officer further underscores the seriousness of the situation, indicating a premeditated attack rather than random violence (ABC News).
Conclusion
The claim that the shootings occurred around 2 a.m. on October 14, 2023, at the home of State Senator John Hoffman in Champlin, Minnesota, is True. The evidence from multiple credible news sources confirms the timing and location of the shootings, as well as the targeted nature of the violence against lawmakers.