Several lawmakers, from the metropolitan heart of Minneapolis to a seasoned congressional representative from Ohio, have found themselves on the list of targets connected to a suspected Minnesota shooter. However, these individuals have sworn not to be intimidated.
Vance Boelter, aged 57, faces federal charges of murder and stalking, along with state charges, after a search lasting nearly two days ended with his arrest in woodland near his residence. Reports indicate that Boelter is suspected of fatally shooting former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her spouse, Mark, in their home early Saturday. Allegations also point to Boelter in the wounding of Democratic Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
According to acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson, the individuals named in Boelter’s writings were largely Democrats, with roughly 45 being state and federal officials from Minnesota. Elected leaders from Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin have reportedly stated they were mentioned as well. Authorities have not yet revealed a motive for the shootings, and Boelter’s lead attorney, Manny Atwal, has declined to comment at this time.
The lawmakers named in Boelter’s writings are reacting with resolve to the violent incident. Minnesota state Representative Esther Agbaje, who spent the weekend with friends and family upon hearing her name was on Boelter’s list, has returned home and stated she feels “more committed than ever” to her legislative work. “We cannot allow people to divide us and then use violence to keep up those divisions,” she said.
Similarly, Michigan Representative Debbie Dingell, whose name was found in Boelter’s writings, held a town hall meeting on Monday, urging constituents not to let “terror terrorize us”. Despite advice to the contrary, she expressed the importance of not letting elected officials be isolated or live in fear, and vowed to continue representing her constituents’ interests.
Minnesota state Senator Ann Rest, representing New Hope in Hennepin County, acknowledged that the suspect had been parked near her home early Saturday, and credited the “quick action” of law enforcement officers with saving her life. She expressed gratitude for Boelter’s apprehension, but also grief for the lost lives and prayers for the Hoffmans’ recovery.
Reports indicate that Representative Hilary Scholten of Grand Rapids, Michigan, postponed a town hall meeting upon learning she was a potential target, while Representative Marcy Kaptur’s office stated that her inclusion in Boelter’s writings would not impede her work for families across Northwest Ohio. Minnesota state Representative Alex Falconer, while initially shaken, echoed his colleagues’ sentiment, stating, “They win if we quit.”
Despite being targeted, these public servants have demonstrated a firm resolve to continue their work. This development follows earlier reports that Boelter was captured, leading to an atmosphere of tentative relief among the named targets as they try to make sense of the violence.
These lawmakers are standing firm, refusing to be intimidated by the actions of the suspected shooter in Minnesota. As this story unfolds, we are reminded of the importance of our democratic institutions and processes, and the public’s right to information. It underscores the importance of staying informed and the undeniable courage of those who choose to serve.
