Minnesota lawmakers shooting leaves politicians shaken across US
Share and Follow


() This past weekend’s double shooting of lawmakers in Minnesota has fellow state and federal politicians across the country shaken and questioning their safety.

It was evident on Capitol Hill on Monday as Congress returned to start its week.

“We have to reevaluate how we are protecting members of Congress and staffs in the face of rising threats,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

Schumer’s words come after Vance Boelter, 57, allegedly shot two Democratic state legislators and their spouses at their homes while disguised as a police officer. Boelter killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and seriously wounded Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.

Federal prosecutors said Boelter had gone to four homes as he sought to kill lawmakers. Boelter was captured on Sunday in Sibley County in south-central Minnesota.

Politicians are known to share their home addresses, but this latest incident has prompted them to rethink their home security. Several House Republicans told there was a growing concern about when they are threatened and that there was a “sense of complacency” with some of the Capitol reporting systems.

As it stands, most members of Congress don’t have any security with them daily. Only those in leadership roles have a security detail with them at all times.

There have been several violent political incidents in recent years, going back to 2021. President Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and Trump was impeached for his role in the riot. Republicans have acknowledged a number of the violent incidents of the past decade involved left-wing assailants targeting Republicans.

Trump, himself, barely escaped an assassination attempt last year in Butler, Pennsylvania, by a shooter whose motivation remains unknown.

In addition, in 2017 and 2022, Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., and Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., were in harmful situations. Scalise nearly died after being shot by a gunman who opened fire during a GOP baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. Pelosi’s husband was severely beaten with a hammer by an intruder at the couple’s San Francisco home. Pelosi wasn’t home at the time. The intruder said he was planning to kidnap her.

An armed man was also arrested near Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home and charged with attempted murder.

The Senate sergeant-at-arms and Capitol Police are due to brief senators Tuesday. Capitol Police also have increased security for the Minnesota congressional delegation, several of whom investigators now say were on a “hit list” found in one of Boelter’s vehicles.

The Senate and House Democrats will be meeting separately to discuss security measures and what can be done when they receive threats. House Republicans already convened over the weekend for similar discussions.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Chipotle launches jersey-themed BOGO deal for college football fans

Discover How to Enjoy Complimentary Chipotle Meals This Month

This December, Chipotle is spicing up Saturdays with enticing buy-one-get-one entrée offers…
Ohio man who spent decades on death row for murder has his case dismissed

Ohio Death Row Inmate Freed After Decades: Court Dismisses Murder Case

After spending over 25 years on death row for the robbery and…
Europe 'literally being flooded with cocaine' as narco-subs evade detection crossing Atlantic

Surge in Cocaine Trafficking: Stealth Subs Successfully Transport Drugs Across the Atlantic to Europe

As the United States intensifies its efforts against alleged drug-trafficking operations by…
FDA expands lead warning to another ground cinnamon brand

FDA Issues New Safety Alert for Additional Ground Cinnamon Brand Due to Lead Concerns

A recall has been issued for Lucky Foods cinnamon after the FDA…
Brown active shooter today: Brown University shooting in Providence, RI reported near Barus & Holley Engineering, Barus & Holley

Active Shooter Incident Reported at Brown University Near Engineering Building in Providence, RI

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLS) — Authorities are currently managing an active shooter scenario…
DoorDash driver caught on video pepper spraying food order is arrested

DoorDash Delivery Driver Arrested After Video Emerges of Pepper Spray Incident with Food Order

A DoorDash driver, distinguished by her purple hair, has been taken into…
Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman Trophy as college football's top player

Fernando Mendoza Clinches Prestigious Heisman Trophy as 2023 College Football’s Elite Athlete

In a historic moment for Indiana University’s football program, Fernando Mendoza, the…
Person of interest in custody following deadly shooting at Brown University

Brown University Shooting: Person of Interest Detained Amid Fatal Campus Incident Investigation

In a tragic turn of events at Brown University, two lives have…