Quincy Reporter

Mary Miller, the representative for Illinois' 15th Congressional District, addressed the recent violence that resulted in the deaths of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband. The incident also left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife injured. "The violence that killed Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and injured State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, is evil and unacceptable," Miller said.

"I am heartbroken by the tragic, targeted shootings in Minnesota," said Mary E. Miller, U.S. Representative of Illinois's 15th congressional district (R), according to Facebook. "My prayers are with the victims' families and loved ones. This kind of violence is evil and unacceptable. I trust law enforcement will quickly bring the suspect to justice."

According to an ABC News report, Melissa Hortman, a former House speaker in Minnesota, was with her husband Mark when they were attacked by a man disguised as a police officer wearing a realistic latex mask. The couple succumbed to their injuries while the Hoffmans sustained serious injuries requiring extensive surgery. The suspect, identified as Vance Luther Boetler, reportedly had a list targeting Democratic legislators, abortion providers, and pro-choice activists. He was shot by police while attempting to flee on foot from the Hortmans’ residence.

Screenshot of U.S. Rep. Mary Miller's June 14 post on X | X

Boetler was apprehended on June 15 near his farm in Green Isle, Minnesota. MSNBC reported that he faces state charges of two counts of second-degree murder with prosecutors seeking to elevate these to first-degree murder charges. Additionally, he faces two counts of attempted second-degree murder. Federally, Boetler has been charged with six counts including one for murder through firearm use which could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty if pursued by prosecutors. His initial federal court appearance occurred on June 16 with another scheduled for June 27.

The Associated Press indicated that investigators discovered notebooks containing plans and lists of internet-based people search engines in Boetler’s vehicle; however, no motive has been determined.

Mary Miller assumed office in the U.S. Congress representing Illinois’ 15th district after succeeding John Shimkus in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University. Born in Oak Park, Illinois in 1959, Miller resides in Oakland with her family on their fourth-generation farm.