Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski confirmed that her name was found in the notes of Vance Boelter, a suspect charged with the murder of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her spouse. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Budzinski expressed her condolences and reiterated her stance against political violence. "I want to again send my condolences to the family of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. I will continue to keep them as well as State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette in my prayers," Budzinski said, as per the Chicago Sun-Times. "My deepest sympathies go out to their families, friends, and the entire Minnesota community.
Accused of fatally shooting former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as wounding Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Boelter's attack has sparked widespread concern over the security of elected officials. The FOX 2 Now report indicates that at least 45 state and federal officials in Minnesota, and more in Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin—all Democrats—were also named in Boelter's writings.
Investigations have uncovered that Boelter spent months planning the assaults, even going so far as to disguise himself as a police officer and conducting surveillance on potential targets. These alarming revelations were detailed by acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson, who stated, "It is no exaggeration to say that his crimes are the stuff of nightmares," during the initial press release regarding the suspect.
Boelter, 57, faces federal murder and stalking charges, in addition to state murder and attempted murder allegations. The scope of his intended targets, spanning across numerous states, has prompted discussions around the safety protocols for public servants. As of now, Illinois' governmental figures, including Governor JB Pritzker and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, have not been named on the suspect’s list and have not requested additional security measures. Illinois' officials remain vigilant, despite the confirmation by Gov. Pritzker that "the FBI specifically said to me that these people are not targets, and they certainly, now that he has been apprehended, they’re not concerned," according to a statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times.
