Fact Check: "Two Democratic Minnesota legislators, Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, were shot at their homes on October 7, 2023, resulting in the death of Hortman and her husband."
What We Know
On October 7, 2023, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were shot at their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Melissa Hortman, who was 55 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene, while her husband succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to the hospital (CBS News, ABC News). State Senator John Hoffman, a colleague of Hortman, and his wife, Yvette, were also shot at their home in Champlin, approximately five miles away. While John Hoffman sustained serious injuries, he survived the attack (New York Times, Star Tribune).
The shootings have been described as politically motivated, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeling them a "political assassination" (CBS News). Authorities have identified a suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, who is still at large and considered armed and dangerous (ABC News).
Analysis
The claim that Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman were shot at their homes on October 7, 2023, resulting in the death of Hortman and her husband is corroborated by multiple reliable sources. The New York Times reports that Hortman was a prominent figure in Minnesota politics, serving as the Speaker of the House from 2019 to 2025, and had a significant impact on legislation during her tenure (New York Times).
The details surrounding the incident, including the nature of the attack and the identification of the suspect, are consistent across various reports, including those from CBS News and ABC News, which provide detailed accounts of the events leading up to and following the shootings (CBS News, ABC News).
The sources used in this fact-check are credible news organizations with established reputations for reporting on significant events. The New York Times, CBS News, and ABC News are known for their rigorous journalistic standards, making their accounts reliable for confirming the details of this tragic event.
Conclusion
The claim that two Democratic Minnesota legislators, Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, were shot at their homes on October 7, 2023, resulting in the death of Hortman and her husband, is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms the occurrence of these events and the tragic outcomes for the Hortman family.
Sources
- Who Are Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, the Minnesota Lawmakers Who ...
- Minnesota Rep. Hortman and husband killed, Sen. Hoffman and wife ...
- Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband assassinated; Sen. John Hoffman, his ...
- Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman killed, State Sen. John Hoffman ...
- How shootings of MN Rep. Melissa Hortman, Sen. John Hoffman unfolded
