ILLINOIS — U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, a Democrat representing Illinois’ 13th District, has confirmed that her name appeared in the writings of a man accused of carrying out a deadly political attack in Minnesota earlier this month — one that left a state lawmaker and her husband dead, and two others seriously injured.
The suspect, Vance Boelter, 57, now faces federal murder, stalking, and attempted murder charges, following the fatal shooting of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the attempted killings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.
Budzinski Responds: “Political Violence Has No Place in America”
Rep. Budzinski addressed the discovery on social media, offering condolences to the victims and calling for continued vigilance:
“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 Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette in my prayers,” Budzinski said. “My deepest sympathies go out to their families, friends, and the entire Minnesota community.”
She did not comment directly on the nature of her inclusion in Boelter’s list but emphasized her commitment to peaceful civic leadership.
A Target List That Spanned States
According to federal investigators and FOX 2 Now, Boelter maintained a detailed set of notes naming at least 45 public officials, nearly all Democrats, in:
-
Minnesota
-
Ohio
-
Michigan
-
Wisconsin
-
And now, confirmed: Illinois
While Budzinski is the only confirmed Illinois figure named, the investigation continues to assess the full extent of the plot. So far, no additional Illinois leaders — including Gov. JB Pritzker and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias — have been identified as targets.
Boelter Allegedly Disguised Himself and Stalked Victims
Federal officials described Boelter’s planning as “the stuff of nightmares.” Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson revealed that Boelter went to extreme lengths to prepare for his attacks, including:
-
Dressing as a police officer
-
Surveilling the homes of multiple elected officials
-
Documenting attack scenarios over several months
He was ultimately apprehended after the fatal shootings and remains in custody as prosecutors pursue multiple charges across jurisdictions.
FBI: Illinois Officials Not Under Immediate Threat
Despite Budzinski’s name appearing in Boelter’s notes, Governor Pritzker said the FBI has made it clear that no current Illinois leaders are in danger:
“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 told the Chicago Sun-Times.
As of this writing, no new security protocols have been activated for Budzinski or other Illinois lawmakers.
What Should Be Done to Protect Public Officials From Targeted Violence?
Do you believe the federal government should increase protections for elected officials — especially amid rising threats? Share your thoughts or stories in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com. Your voice helps keep our political spaces safe and accountable.
