COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-3) said she may have been a potential target of the man accused of killing a Minnesota state politician and her husband.
In a statement Monday, Beatty said her security was increased as the suspect, Vance Boelter, remained free for two days after the shooting.
“I am deeply relieved that the suspect in their shootings has now been apprehended,” Beatty wrote in the statement. “Unfortunately, my office was notified that my name was included in the suspect’s materials, and security measures were increased. I am grateful to the U.S. Capitol Police and the Columbus Police Department for their swift response.”
Boelter, 57, is accused of shooting and killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark inside their home Saturday; Boelter also allegedly shot and injured Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette the same night in their home about nine miles away.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the loved ones and colleagues of Minnesota Representative and Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and continue to keep State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in my prayers as they begin the long process of healing,” Beatty wrote in the statement.
Prosecutors allege Boelter had a hit list and that he went to the homes of two other state lawmakers Saturday, but one of those lawmakers was not at home and police were protecting the other.
Beatty offered no further comment on the incident, citing that it was an ongoing investigation.
“We must do better in how we engage one another as Americans,” Beatty concluded her statement. “Our democracy demands nothing less.”
Boelter had many notebooks full of plans that appeared to be months in the making, acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson said. Underscoring what law enforcement officials said was the premeditated nature of the attacks, Boelter wrote out in one notebook a list of internet-based people search engines, according to court records.
But authorities have not found any writings that would “clearly identify what motivated him,” Thompson said. Though the targets were Democrats and elected officials, Thompson said it was too soon to speculate on any sort of political ideology.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
