Fact Check: Vance Boelter allegedly shot and killed Melissa Hortman, a Democratic Minnesota state representative, and her husband Mark Hortman at their home on Saturday morning while impersonating a police officer.

Fact Check: Vance Boelter Allegedly Shot and Killed Melissa Hortman and Her Husband

What We Know

On Saturday morning, Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were shot and killed at their home in Brooklyn Park. The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, allegedly impersonated a police officer during the attack (source-1, source-2). The shootings are being described by authorities as politically motivated, with Governor Tim Walz labeling the incident a “politically motivated assassination” (source-1).

The attack also involved state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who were shot at their home in Champlin but survived and are currently receiving medical treatment (source-2). The police responded to the first shooting around 2 a.m. and then encountered the suspect at Hortman's residence shortly after 3:30 a.m. (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that Vance Boelter shot and killed Melissa Hortman and her husband is supported by multiple credible news sources. The Associated Press and local news outlets have confirmed Boelter's identity as the suspect and detailed the circumstances surrounding the shootings (source-1, source-4.

The reliability of the sources reporting this incident is high, as they include established news organizations such as the Associated Press and local affiliates like FOX 9. These outlets have provided consistent information regarding the timeline of events and the identities of the victims and suspect. Furthermore, the involvement of law enforcement and government officials in the investigation adds an additional layer of credibility to the reports (source-2, source-6).

Conclusion

The claim that Vance Boelter shot and killed Melissa Hortman and her husband is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Boelter is the identified suspect in a politically motivated attack that resulted in the deaths of the Hortmans and injuries to another legislative couple. The situation is still developing, but the initial reports provide a clear account of the tragic events.

Sources

1. 57-year-old suspect sought in targeted shootings of ...
2. Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband killed; Sen. John ...
3. Vance Boelter ID'd As In Fatal Melissa Hortman Shooting
4. Minnesota Lawmaker Killed in 'Act of Targeted Political ...
5. Police search for 57-year-old suspect involved in Hortman ...
6. Live updates on MN lawmaker shootings: Rep. Hortman ...
7. What we know about the Minnesota lawmaker assassination
8. Minnesota lawmaker, her spouse shot and killed in their ...