11 Wisconsin lawmakers named in manifesto of Minnesota gunman

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WISCONSIN DELLS – Eleven Wisconsin lawmakers are named in a manifesto written by a gunman who killed a Democratic Minnesota lawmaker and her husband and shot another lawmaker and his wife, according to Democratic sources.
Wisconsin Democrats gathered June 14 at their annual convention under increased security after the two Democratic lawmakers in neighboring Minnesota were gunned down in their homes overnight.
Authorities say Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed and another lawmaker and his wife were injured at their homes by 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, who was impersonating law enforcement in what Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called a 'politically motivated assassination.' Hoffman and Hortman are both members of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
Democratic sources told Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 11 Wisconsin lawmakers' names are on a manifesto police recovered in their search for Boelter. The group of Wisconsin lawmakers included eight women and three men, according to one source. All are Democrats.
"I just learned that. And that's just shocking, to be honest with you, that is just absolutely shocking," Democratic state Sen. Brad Pfaff of Onalaska said. "I don't understand the level of anger that would lead to such a violent outburst that took place today in the Twin Cities, and I don't understand why state legislators here in Wisconsin would also be on such a list."
He said his name was not among those on the list.
Pfaff said he's concerned that intensifying political rhetoric has pushed the country to this point.
"I really, honestly, believe that we don't have to be this divided," he said.
Several Democratic officials were temporarily pulled from the convention Saturday to attend a security briefing on the matter, according to a Democratic source.
More: Minnesota lawmakers shot in suspected targeted attacks; Rep. Hortman and her husband killed
As of the afternoon of June 14, police were still searching for Boelter, who was last seen in the Twin Cities area. As a result of the shooting, Wisconsin Democratic Party officials implemented additional security measures at their annual convention in Wisconsin Dells.
'The Democratic Party of Wisconsin already had a robust security plan in place and is taking additional cautionary measures in light of the horrific events that unfolded in Minnesota earlier today," a Democrat involved in planning the convention told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
"As the horrific events unfolded in our neighboring Minnesota, and with news moving incredibly quickly, we worked with our security detail as well as local law enforcement to increase their presence and make clear to our attendees that they are safe."
"These are terribly scary times — the fact that you can be hunted down and assassinated simply for being a public servant is not an America we recognize."
At least one state lawmaker became emotional when asked about the day's events.
Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat who is scheduled to speak Saturday evening, told the Journal Sentinel he could not comment on whether Wisconsin authorities are involved in the manhunt of Boelter or investigation into his crimes because it is "an ongoing matter."
"It's horrifying to see what what took place in Minnesota," Kaul said. "Violence is never acceptable, and political violence is an attack on our democracy."
From the convention podium, Department of Public Instruction superintendent Jill Underly tied the assassination to rhetoric from President Donald Trump and his allies against public officials like judges.
"This is what happens when leaders use dangerous rhetoric to turn public servants into targets and then deny their role in the violence," Underly said. "It's cowardly. It's un-American."
Lawrence Andrea and Jessie Opoien of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed to this report from Madison.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 11 Wisconsin lawmakers named in Minnesota gunman's manifesto