Sen. Durbin: Threat to Public Officials Is 'Widespread'

Illinois Democrat Sen. Dick Durbin on Tuesday reportedly described the potential threat of violence against federal officials and their families as "very real and very widespread."

Durbin's comment followed a "sobering" security briefing with the Senate sergeant at arms and other federal law enforcement agents in the wake of the Saturday murders of Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband at their home in suburban Minneapolis.

The FBI on Monday reported the arrest of Vance Boelter, 57, of Green Isle, Minnesota, in connection with the case. He is charged in a federal complaint with stalking and murdering Hortman and her husband. Boelter is also accused of stalking and shooting Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. That happened in another Minneapolis suburb on Saturday. They are expected to recover from their gunshot wounds.

Sen. Durbin told colleagues from the floor of the Senate on Monday that the violent attacks were "a tragedy for America." He said the rate of crimes against elected leaders in America is alarming. "Unfortunately, we've seen a disturbing increase in political violence in recent years," he said. "Seemingly as part of a misguided and sickening attempt to strike fear and intimidation in the hearts of the American people and those who are engaged in public service."

He also advised colleagues who post about attacks on public leaders to be cautious and refrain from using rhetoric that might incite others to become copycat criminals.

The Washington Post reported that Minnesota Democrat Sen. Tina Smith on Monday confronted Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, about a post she said he originated that included questionable language about the murders. The post attributed to Lee by Smith showed a picture of the presumed attacker with the comment "This is what happens when Marxists don't get their way." Smith said that was a "terrible thing to do."

The FBI continues to gather evidence in the murders. They have not referenced a possible motive.

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