Fact Check: The suspect in Hortman's assassination had a hit list that included Minnesotans outspoken in favor of abortion rights and several abortion clinics.

Fact Check: "The suspect in Hortman's assassination had a hit list that included Minnesotans outspoken in favor of abortion rights and several abortion clinics."

What We Know

On June 14, 2025, Melissa Hortman, a prominent Minnesota lawmaker and advocate for abortion rights, was assassinated in her home alongside her husband. The suspect, identified as Vance Luther Boelter, was reported to have been impersonating a police officer at the time of the attack (source-1). Following the incident, police discovered a hit list in Boelter's vehicle that contained nearly 70 names, primarily consisting of Democratic politicians and individuals associated with abortion rights, including notable figures such as Rep. Ilhan Omar and Sen. Tina Smith (source-3, source-5). This list indicates a targeted approach against those who supported abortion rights, aligning with Boelter's known anti-abortion stance (source-4).

Analysis

The claim that the suspect had a hit list including Minnesotans outspoken in favor of abortion rights is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Reports indicate that the list found in Boelter's vehicle explicitly included names of individuals who were either politicians or advocates for abortion rights, confirming the targeted nature of his actions (source-3, source-5).

The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established reputations in journalism. For instance, CNN and The New York Times are recognized for their rigorous reporting standards. Additionally, the information aligns with the broader context of the political climate in Minnesota, where abortion rights have been a contentious issue, further supporting the claim's validity (source-1, source-4).

However, it is important to note that while the sources provide a clear narrative, the potential for bias exists, particularly in the framing of the suspect's motivations. The characterization of the incident as politically motivated by officials and media may reflect a broader narrative surrounding political violence in the current climate (source-1).

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The evidence clearly supports the claim that the suspect in Melissa Hortman’s assassination had a hit list that included individuals outspoken in favor of abortion rights and several abortion clinics. The corroborating reports from reputable news outlets confirm the existence of this list and its targeted nature against pro-choice advocates.

Sources

1. Minnesota Lawmaker, Melissa Hortman, Is Assassinated in …
2. Melissa Hortman - Wikipedia
3. June 14, 2025 - News on the manhunt for gunman who shot Minnesota ...
4. Emerita Hortman, John Hoffman shot in their Minnesota homes
5. Dem Assassin Is Armed Guard Boss With Anti-Abortion Hit-List
6. Live: Search for Hortman assassination suspect broadens to South ...
7. Minnesota Shooting Suspect had Target List of Abortion ...
8. Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, husband killed; Rep. John …