Illinois politicians on list connected to alleged Minnesota shooter Vance Boelter, governor says

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.

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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.

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi's name was included in the suspect's notes. He said in 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.

"This brutal attack was devastating and terrifying on many levels. 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."

The office of U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, who represents central and southern Illinois, said her name was found in Boelter's notes.

"On Sunday, I was informed by Capitol Police that my name was included in the Minnesota murder suspect's notes.

"I want to again send my condolences to the family of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. I will continue to keep them as well as State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette in my prayers. My deepest sympathies go out to their families, friends, and the entire Minnesota community.

"As I've said before, there is absolutely no place in this country for political violence. We must be a nation that values civility and mutual respect -- always."

Illinois State Sen. Laura Fine issued a statement on X, saying, "I am devastated by the assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the shooting of Senator Hoffman and his wife. My family and I have been keeping Melissa's family, especially her children, in our thoughts.

I am very grateful to the Glenview Police Department and the Illinois State Police for their efforts in keeping me and my family safe.

We cannot let political violence become normal in our country. I am proud of my leadership guaranteeing reproductive rights for all women in Illinois. Now more than ever, we need leaders who will always stand up for our values and are not afraid of bullies and terrorists - they must not win."