Fact Check: Vance Luther Boelter is the suspect in the assassination of Minnesota House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and the shooting of Democratic Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Minnesota where Melissa Hortman, the House DFL Leader, was shot and killed alongside her husband, Mark Hortman. Simultaneously, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot but survived the attack. Authorities have identified Vance Luther Boelter, 57, as the primary suspect in these shootings. Reports indicate that Boelter was disguised as a police officer during the attacks and was armed with a firearm. He allegedly exchanged gunfire with police at one crime scene before fleeing on foot (BBC, New York Times).
Following the shootings, police discovered Boelter's vehicle in Sibley County, approximately 50 miles from the crime scenes. The vehicle contained a target list with the names of several Democratic politicians, which included high-profile figures such as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (ABC News, Star Tribune). The FBI has since added Boelter to their most wanted list and is offering a reward for information leading to his capture (MPR News).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Vance Luther Boelter is the suspect in the assassination of Melissa Hortman and the shooting of John Hoffman is robust. Multiple credible sources, including major news outlets like the BBC and New York Times, have reported on the details of the incident, confirming Boelter's identity as the suspect. The reports detail his actions, including impersonating a police officer and carrying a firearm, which aligns with the accounts provided by law enforcement officials.
Moreover, the political context surrounding the attacks adds a layer of significance, as both victims were prominent members of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, which is affiliated with the national Democratic Party. This suggests a politically motivated attack, as indicated by Governor Walz and other officials (New York Times, Star Tribune). The presence of a target list in Boelter's vehicle further supports the notion that these attacks were premeditated and targeted.
The sources used in this analysis are reliable and come from established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The information has been corroborated across multiple outlets, reducing the likelihood of misinformation.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that Vance Luther Boelter is the suspect in the assassination of Minnesota House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and the shooting of Democratic Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette is supported by multiple credible sources. The details surrounding the attacks, including Boelter's actions and the political implications, confirm the accuracy of this claim.
Sources
- Minnesota police find car of suspect in shootings of two ...
- Political Assassination Rattles Minnesota - The New York Times
- 2025 shootings of Minnesota legislators
- Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman killed, State Sen. John Hoffman ...
- Vance Boelter still at large in search for Minnesota lawmaker shooting ...
- Vanced
- Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman Killed, FBI Hunt ...
- Vance Boelter manhunt: Hit list included 50 to 70 individuals, businesses
