WASHINGTON — The U.S. Capitol Police informed Ohio’s five Democratic U.S. representatives—Reps. Joyce Beatty, Shontel Brown, Marcy Kaptur, Greg Landsman, and Emilia Sykes—that their names appeared on a hit list compiled by a suspect charged with fatally shooting two Minnesota state lawmakers, officials said Tuesday.
Vance Boelter, 57, is accused of killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in their homes early Saturday. Authorities said Boelter’s writings included a list of nearly 70 names, targeting 45 Minnesota lawmakers and elected officials in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
All five Ohio representatives are receiving enhanced security at their residences, and Gov. Mike DeWine ordered increased protection at state lawmakers’ homes, the Ohio Statehouse, and legislative offices. The full list of targeted individuals has not been made public.
“This is a grim reminder of the growing threat public officials face—one that puts not just us, but our families, staff, and constituents at risk,” Rep. Brown said in a statement, referencing a previous swatting incident targeting her last year.
Rep. Kaptur’s office called the inclusion of her name in the suspect’s writings “a matter better left for law enforcement and investigators,” adding that it would not deter her work for Northwest Ohio families. All five lawmakers issued statements condemning the violence.
On Capitol Hill, senators received a security briefing to address lawmakers’ long-term safety. Bipartisan calls emerged for increased funding to bolster security measures.
The shootings underscore a surge in politically motivated violence nationwide. Lawmakers pointed to inflammatory rhetoric as a contributing factor.
“We must bring the temperature down. The vitriolic rhetoric used in today’s politics is fomenting violence, and it must end,” Rep. Sykes said.
President Donald Trump condemned the shootings, stating that “such horrific violence” would not be tolerated.