Shock in Illinois: Two U.S. Reps. Named in Minnesota Suspect’s Notes Stir Security Fears
- Natalie Frank
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
Illinois lawmakers Raja Krishnamoorthi and Nikki Budzinski confirmed their names appeared in the alleged shooter’s records—here’s what we know
Natalie C. Frank, Ph.D June 17. 2025
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Two Democrats from Illinois, U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Nikki Budzinski, announced on Tuesday that their names appeared in the notes of Vance Boelter, the man accused of opening fire on Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses. It isn’t certain whether the notes found were handwritten or digital.
This information came as investigators found that Boelter’s so-called "hit list" included several elected officials. It's still unclear how or why these Illinois lawmakers ended up in Boelter’s documents, but both have confirmed the unsettling discovery.
Names on the List
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who serves Illinois’ 8th District in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, was emotional during a statement. “I have been informed that my name was included in the notes of the Minnesota suspect accused of assassinating an elected official, murdering her husband, and targeting others,” he said.
“This brutal attack was devastating and terrifying on many levels," Krishnamoorthi continued/ "Priya and I have spent much of the last few days thinking about Rep. Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as Sen. Hoffman and his wife Yvette. Political violence has no place in America — full stop. Even in this time of great division, we should all agree on that."
Rep. Nikki Budzinski, representing Illinois’ 13th District, which stretches from the outskirts of St. Louis through Springfield all the way to Champaign–Urbana, also confirmed on X that Capitol Police informed her she was among those named in the suspect’s notes. She expressed her condolences to the families of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and Sen. Jon Hoffman and his wife, who were victims of the attack.
“As I’ve said before, there is absolutely no place in this country for political violence,” Budzinski wrote. “We must be a nation that values civility and mutual respect – always.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker shared that after arresting the suspect, authorities found over 600 names in his materials, including several from Illinois. However, initial investigations suggest these were part of a mixed-up collection, including lists of websites visited and not necessarily targeted individuals.
“It’s more of a hodge-podge, a few people here, a few people there, websites he had visited, et cetera,” Pritzker said, reassuring state residents that no specific threats to Illinois lawmakers had been identified.
In an attempt to reassure the public, Pritzker added that no specific threats toward Illinois lawmakers have been identified so far.
The Illinois State Police confirmed they are examining both digital and paper evidence connected to Illinois legislators. A spokesperson clarified that there are currently no broader threats. They are working closely with Minnesota and federal authorities to understand the suspect’s intent better.
