Security increased for Ohio Capitol, lawmakers

By J.D. Davidson
The Center Square

When Ohio lawmakers return to the state Capitol today and Tuesday, they will see a heightened security presence following the weekend shooting of two Minnesota legislators.

In the wake of the shooting that killed Minnesota House Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and her husband and wounded Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, and his wife, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will have a greater presence at the Statehouse.

Also, troopers have increased patrols around the homes of Ohio lawmakers after the Saturday morning shootings.

“Thank you to Gov. DeWine for increasing security for our Ohio Legislators today. It means a lot that you have our backs,” Ohio Sen. Casey Weinstein, D-Hudson, posted on social media. “Honestly, I’m struggling with this news. I’m worried for my family. I worry I’m putting them in harm’s way by being in office. It’s a terrible feeling. This is NOT a partisan issue. There is never – ever – justification for violent rhetoric and especially violence against our elected officials."

The suspect in the shootings, Vance Boelter, was arrested in the woods near Green Isle, Minn., after a “complex and dangerous manhunt,” according to Gov. Tim Walz, late Sunday night.

Waltz called the Minnesota attacks a politically-motivated assassination.

Police found three AK-47 style rifles, a 9mm handgun and a list of names of public officials in the Ford SUV of suspect Vance Boelter, according to a warrant request that was under seal until Boelter was arrested late Sunday.

Police also say they found a ballistic vest, disassembled 9mm firearm, a mask and a gold police-style badge, according to the warrant.

Media outlets also reported that Boelter had a list of about 70 names in his vehicle found at the Hortman scene which included the lawmakers who were shot, other lawmakers and state officials who were outspoken supporters of abortion rights and abortion providers.