Illinois politicians on list connected to Minnesota lawmaker shooting suspect Vance Boelter: Gov. JB Pritzker
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Gov. JB Pritzker says he is not one of the people on a list of politicians that law enforcement discovered after arresting alleged Minnesota lawmaker shooter Vance Boelter.

Police found one list of lawmakers from Minnesota and another less formal list that contained names of Illinois politicians.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Pritzker and the Illinois State Police have been in contact with lawmakers in Illinois about security steps they can take. Even though, it appears, no one was on anything like a hit list, but instead on a list of people searched for online.

Still, there are concerns about the possibility of copycat attacks.

Pritzker says he’s been briefed by the FBI and Illinois State Police about the murder and shootings of Minnesota politicians and their spouses.

And while there was a list of dozens of other Minnesota Democratic politicians on what may have been a hit list, the suspect also had another list of people, including politicians from Illinois that the governor described as a hodgepodge list.

“They recovered devices and other papers that had on them 600 names, more than 600 names,” Pritzker said. “There are Illinois folks, like Iowa and others, but very few. And again, no one, the FBI specifically said to me that these people are not targets.”

Pritzker was in Minnesota just hours before the shooting happened, serving as the keynote speaker at a Democratic Party gala on Friday night that was attended by Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were both shot and killed.

SEE MORE: Chilling details emerge in Minnesota lawmaker shootings: ‘Stuff of nightmares’

“I got a call very early in the morning on Saturday from Gov. Walz, who is a good friend, and called me to let me know what had happened just a couple few hours earlier,” Pritzker said.

According to an FBI affidavit, agents recovered weapons in the suspect’s car, along with a spiral notebook with notes about websites for finding people’s addresses.

Lawmakers in Illinois are denouncing the violence, and leaders are warning members to be vigilant.

“This type of cold-blooded, calculated execution is a level that, in someone’s home, in the middle of the night, is a level I’m unaware of before,” said state Sen. John Curran, Senate Republican leader.

“We continue to lift them up because violence has no place in our public discourse, and that’s why we continue to, in Illinois, continue to lift up. And even when we disagree, we are able to be disagreeable civilly,” said state Sen. Elgie Simms, a Democrat representing Chicago.

But there are some concerns about possible copycat crimes in Illinois or elsewhere.

“Copycat is always a concern. You know, when things like this receive media coverage, unfortunately some people view that as an example of how to be infamous. So, that is something that we take very seriously,” Curran said.

The Illinois State Police says it is vetting information found in the suspect’s paperwork and electronics as it relates to Illinois politicians, and will keep them informed as additional information become available.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Inside the billionaires' dinner as new Epstein files dump unveils pics

Shocking Revelations: New Epstein Files Expose Secretive Billionaire Dinner with Unseen Photos

In 2011, three years after his sex crime conviction, Jeffrey Epstein mingled…
Thousands gather as Bondi Beach reopens, commemorating victims of Hanukkah attack

Massive Turnout at Bondi Beach Reopening Honors Victims of Hanukkah Attack

In the wake of a tragic mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration…
Taylor Swift's touching gesture as Travis Kelce reunites with coach

Taylor Swift’s Heartfelt Tribute Shines as Travis Kelce Reunites with Beloved Coach

In a heartwarming reunion, Taylor Swift made a brief appearance as her…
Israel hits Hezbollah targets in Lebanon ahead of deadline to disarm terror group

Israel Strikes Hezbollah Sites in Lebanon as Disarmament Deadline Looms

In a significant military maneuver, Israel reportedly executed a series of airstrikes…
Disneyland covered in TRASH as cleaning staff go on strike

Disneyland Faces Unprecedented Cleanup Challenge Amid Striking Workers: Park Visitors Encounter Trash Overflow

Visitors to Disneyland Paris were taken aback this week when they found…
US prisons battle evolving drone technology used to smuggle contraband to inmates

US Prisons Struggle Against High-Tech Drones Smuggling Contraband to Inmates

In Columbia, S.C., the issue of drones flying over U.S. prisons is…
A poster seeking information about the campus shooting suspect is seen on the campus of Brown University, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Anonymous Hero: The Tip That Solved the Brown University Shooting Mystery

A crucial tip from a passerby led authorities to identify the suspect…
Federal case against Milwaukee judge accused of concealing illegal migrant should continue, judge recommends

Milwaukee County Judge Convicted: A Landmark Case of Obstructing Federal Immigration Efforts

In a significant courtroom development, a jury has determined that Milwaukee County…