U.S. Reps. Nikki Budzinski and Raja Krishnamoorthi on Tuesday confirmed their names were included in notes left behind by Vance Boelter, the man charged with killing a Minnesota lawmaker and injuring another.
“On Sunday, I was informed by Capitol Police that my name was included in the Minnesota murder suspect’s notes,” Budzinski, D-Ill., wrote on X. “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. My deepest sympathies go out to their families, friends, and the entire Minnesota community.
“As I’ve said before, there is absolutely no place in this country for political violence. We must be a nation that values civility and mutual respect — always,” Budzinski said.
She declined further comment.
Krishnamoorthi on Tuesday afternoon sent out a statement saying he was informed that his name was also included in the suspect’s notes.
“This brutal attack was devastating and terrifying on many levels. Priya and I have spent much of the last few days thinking about Rep. Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as Sen. Hoffman and his wife Yvette,” Krishnamoorthi said in a statement. “Political violence has no place in America — full stop. Even in this time of great division, we should all agree on that.”
Authorities have said that Boelter had dozens of targets in at least three other states. All were Democrats, including more than 45 state and federal officials in Minnesota. Elected leaders in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin said they were mentioned in his writings.
Boelter was arrested on Sunday after a two-day manhunt. He is accused of killing Hortman, who had served as Minnesota’s Democratic House speaker, and her husband, Mark, in their home. Authorities say he also shot and wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, several miles away.
Boelter, 57, faces federal murder and stalking charges. He also faces state charges, including murder and attempted murder.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday confirmed he was not on the suspect’s list.
“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,” Pritzker said.
A spokesperson for Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who oversees security at the state Capitol, said none of the four state legislative leaders had requested additional security. She also said Giannoulias was not mentioned in Boelter’s notes.
Contributing: AP
