There were six Michigan lawmakers on the “hit list” linked to the person suspected of shooting two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses.
Federal authorities have charged Vance Boelter, 57, who they say "stalked his victims like prey” and “shot them in cold blood."
The discovery of the list has prompted some Michigan officials to postpone public events, while others maintain their scheduled appearances amid heightened security concerns.
Michigan officials react
Here are the Michigan politicians who were on the list:
- Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
- U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell
- U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar
- U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens
- U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib
- U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten
Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) expressed grave concern about the escalating nature of political violence.
“I’m used to dissent. I’m used to protests and people being strong and passionate. This one was very scary. People died,” Dingell said.
Scholten (D-Grand Rapids) postponed a Monday (June 16) town hall meeting after first learning about the threat Sunday night.
“It seemed all too familiar. It’s truly chilling to think of what this individual was planning to do,” Scholten said. “At the time, we didn’t know what these different notebooks meant, and much of that is still coming to light.”
In a statement, Stevens said, “My heart is with Rep. Hortman, Sen. Hoffman, and their families in the wake of last week’s attacks. Political violence has no place in our communities. My office is in touch with law enforcement about my being included in the perpetrator’s materials, and I am grateful for everything they have done and continue to do in the wake of this tragedy.”
Despite the threats, some lawmakers are determined to continue their public duties. Dingell plans to proceed with a scheduled town hall on Wednesday while emphasizing the need to address political hostility.
“The political rhetoric, the division, the hatred has to be dialed down,” she said.
In a post on social media, Thanedar also addressed the situation, saying, “Today, I was informed by Capitol Police and the FBI that my name was listed in documents found in the possession of the alleged Minnesota shooter. Due to the suspect’s capture and information provided by law enforcement, I do not feel that I or my staff are in immediate danger; however, we are taking precautions to ensure our safety and well-being. The heinous crimes the shooter allegedly committed are unequivocally politically motivated and should be condemned by everyone across the political spectrum. There is no place for political violence in a democracy.”
Boelter surrendered to police late Sunday after a massive manhunt and is facing federal murder, stalking, and firearms charges.
