U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty of Columbus said in a social media post that her name was on a list recovered by Minnesota police from the suspect who allegedly shot and killed a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband and wounded another lawmaker and his wife.
Beatty said in a Facebook post Monday evening her office was notified her name was included in the materials police recovered from the suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boetler that included the names of numerous other lawmakers. Beatty said her security has been increased.
"I am grateful to the U.S. Capitol Police and the Columbus Police Department for their swift response," Beatty said. "As this remains an ongoing investigation this is all I will share at this time."
Boetler allegedly shot and killed former Minnesota Speaker of the House and state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. He also shot and injured Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who are both recovering in the hospital from multiple gunshot wounds.
Boetler was apprehended late Sunday in a rural area outside Minneapolis.
Beatty expressed her condolences to loved ones and colleagues of Hortman and her husband. She said she continues to keep the Hoffmans in her prayers as they continue to heal.
U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman of Cincinnati also said he was on the list according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the shootings “a politically motivated assassination." Hortman and Hoffman were both members of the Democratic Party like Beatty and Landsman.
Minnesota U.S. Senator Tina Smith, also a Democrat, said she was also named on the materials as a target.
Authorities told NPR Boelter was disguised as a police officer, drove a black SUV with emergency lights turned on, and had a license plate that said "police." He carried a 9mm handgun, wore a black tactical vest and was disguised with a realistic silicone mask. Police said the suspect banged on the lawmakers' front doors in the middle of the night.
"This was a targeted attack against individuals who answered the call to public service," said FBI special agent in charge Alvin Winston. "Let me say this clearly: political violence has no place in this country."
Authorities found "voluminous writings" in the suspect's vehicle and at his home. They theorize he had planned and researched lawmakers for several months.
Boelter has been charged with state and federal charges of murder, attempted murder and other crimes. He's being held in federal custody.
At a news conference Saturday, state police said they found a list of about 45 individuals inside what they said is Boelter's vehicle. Hortman and Hoffman were on that list along with other lawmakers, including Smith and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who are also both Democrats.
WOSU reached out to Beatty's office for comment but did not immediately hear back.
