MI Politicians Respond After Being Named in MN Shooting Suspect's Target List

The names of multiple Michigan politicians have been confirmed among a list compiled by the alleged gunman in the politically-motivated shooting that killed Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and critically injured Sen. Hoffman as well as his wife.

The man charged, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, is facing "an array of federal charges" after he "stalked his victims like prey" and "shot them in cold blood," according to acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson.

• Previous coverage: Man arrested for killing Minnesota lawmaker had list including a Michigan politician

Among those named confirmed by News Channel 3 are Representative Hillary Scholten, Senator Elissa Slotkin, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Representative Debbie Dingell, and Representative Shri Thanedar.

In response to the incident, Rep. Hillary Scholten, who represents parts of West Michigan, canceled a planned town hall in Muskegon. Scholten cited safety concerns and a desire to avoid diverting law enforcement resources as reasons for the cancellation.

Despite being named in the documents, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell proceeded with a scheduled town hall in Washtenaw County.

Michigan politicians named in documents related to the alleged killer:

U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (MI-7)

"Yes, we can confirm that her name appeared among the materials found," the senator's press secretary, Sonja Thrasher, confirmed.

America can’t become a place where your views or your affiliations get you killed.

“I had the opportunity to meet Rep. Hortman a number of times, and it’s clear the people of Minnesota lost an amazing public servant. Political violence has no place in America. It shouldn’t matter who you vote for or what you believe. America can’t become a place where your views or your affiliations get you killed." Slotkin said on social media.

Secretary Jocelyn Benson (MI S.O.S.)

I can confirm that Secretary Benson was one of the MI officials on the Minnesota accused killer’s list.

The secretary's Senior Press Secretary, Cheri Hardmon, confirmed.

Representative Hillary Scholten (MI-3)

Scholten’s office confirmed her inclusion and announced she would postpone a planned town hall in Muskegon out of “an abundance of caution.”

Scholten provided the following statement:

Nothing matters more to me than the safety and well-being of the people I serve. After being made aware that my name was on a list connected to the recent tragic shooting in Minnesota, my office has made the difficult decision to postpone our planned town hall in Muskegon. Open, honest dialogue with West Michigan is at the heart of my service–and I will not be deterred from standing up for this community. Out of an abundance of caution and to not divert additional law enforcement resources away from protecting the broader public at this time, this is the responsible choice. We will reschedule this event as soon as possible, and I remain committed to ensuring every West Michigander has the opportunity to make their voice heard.

Representative Debbie Dingell ( MI-6)

A spokesperson for Dingell’s office responded that she was named in some capacity, but declined to offer additional comment.

Dingell did move forward with her scheduled townhall, during which she cited the importance of doing so in an effort not to lose free speech amid fear.

“Democracy is all of us coming together and making our voices heard,” Dingell said during the townhall. "I am not afraid to speak out!"

Representative Shri Thanedar ( MI-13)

Inquiries by News Channel 3 to Rep. Thanedar's office were not immediately returned, however, the representative did confirm the following on social media:

Today, I was informed by Capitol Police and the FBI that my name was listed in documents found in the possession of the alleged Minnesota shooter. Due to the suspect’s capture and information provided by law enforcement, I do not feel that I or my staff are in immediate danger; however, we are taking precautions to ensure our safety and well-being. The heinous crimes the shooter allegedly committed are unequivocally politically motivated and should be condemned by everyone across the political spectrum. There is no place for political violence in a democracy.

West Michigan's Senator Winnie Brinks' office did not immediately respond to our inquiry about her name being among materials found, but the senator shared the following tribute on Instagram:

"I had the privilege of getting to know Melissa and she was everything you would want in a public servant. The murder of her and Mark leaves a huge hole in their community, and state legislators across the country and across party lines are grieving for them. Steve and I are stunned, and our hearts are broken for their families. We are praying for a full recovery for the Hoffmans. Violence is not how we settle our differences in this country and we will not be intimidated into silence."

Violence is not how we settle our differences in this country and we will not be intimidated into silence.

Representative Haley Stevens stated on social media, “There is no place for political violence — both parties must unite to condemn such acts.”

Representative Morgan Foreman, during the townhall alongside Representative Dingell, condemned the incident in Minnesota, stating that it was “very triggering” to her and other lawmakers.

Congressman Bill Huizenga, a Republican, provided the following quote to News Channel 3:

Political violence is never acceptable. We settle our political differences through debate and at the ballot box. The perpetrator must be punished to the greatest extent possible.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer echoed the broader concern on social media:

The shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses is yet another horrific act in the continued rise of political violence in America. We must call out this violence, no matter who it’s aimed at or where it originates.

Sen. Sea McCann also gave a statement against the attacks:

“I am stunned by the murder state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark and the attempted murder of state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette in Minnesota. My thoughts are with their families. Disagreeing with one’s political beliefs should never devolve into violence. Political violence represents a threat to the democracy we hold so dear.”

Senator Gary Peters, Representative Julie Rogers, and Attorney General Dana Nessel have not yet responded to requests for comment.