An Illinois state senator’s home was among two residences hit by gunfire Tuesday morning in Chicago’s northwest suburbs.
State Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, a Democrat, said in a Facebook post that she and her family were unharmed after bullets struck their Shorewood home.
“In the early hours of Tuesday morning, my family and I experienced a deeply troubling incident when a shot was fired directly at our home. I am grateful to Chief Arnold, law enforcement, and investigators for their work detaining a suspect and working diligently to get to the bottom of this,” she wrote.
“At times like these, I am reminded of how precious peace and safety are in our communities. Violence is never the answer,” she added in the post.
Police said there is no evidence at this time that Cappel was specifically targeted.
Officers first responded to reports of gunfire near Ca Crest Drive and Highland Drive shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday but found no shooter, casualties, or visible property damage. About two hours later, police were called to a home nearby where three bullet holes from a small-caliber firearm were discovered; no one inside was injured.
Roughly half a mile away, another house was later reported damaged by a single gunshot. Investigators determined both homes were struck by the same weapon, though the homeowners have no known connection to each other.
Detectives quickly identified a vehicle and a suspect linked to the shootings. The individual was taken into custody later Tuesday and is awaiting formal charges.
Police have not disclosed a motive, but Cappel said investigators told her the shootings were not politically motivated, according to CBS News.
Earlier this year, Minnesota resident Vance Boelter was arrested and charged with the shooting deaths of state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the attempted murder of State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County Court in June, Boelter, 57, faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder.
In addition, Boelter is facing six federal charges, including stalking and murder. He was taken into custody near his home in Sibley County after a manhunt that lasted more than 36 hours.
During a press conference, the FBI disclosed that on the same night he killedHortman and her husband and wounded Hoffman and his wife, Boelter also visited the homes of two other Minnesota lawmakers, the outlet reported.
Following the shooting at the Hoffmans’ home, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson stated that Boelter traveled to the residence of a state representative in Maple Grove. However, the lawmaker was on vacation and not home at the time.
Boelter, wearing a mask and dressed like a police officer, then allegedly proceeded to the home of a state senator in New Hope. After learning about the Champlin shooting, a New Hope police officer conducted a wellness check at the senator’s residence. Upon arrival, the officer found what appeared to be a squad car—later identified as Boelter’s vehicle—parked outside. The officer attempted to speak with Boelter, who did not respond. By the time backup arrived, Boelter had fled the scene.
State Sen. Ann Rest (DFL–New Hope) confirmed in a statement that she had been informed that Boelter’s SUV was spotted near her home.
“I am so grateful for the heroic work of the New Hope Police Department and its officers,” Rest said. “Their quick action saved my life.”
Thompson said that after leaving New Hope, Boelter went to the Hortmans’ residence in Brooklyn Park. When police arrived, they spotted him just feet from the front door. He drew a firearm, prompting an exchange of gunfire before he forced his way into the house and opened fire at the front door. Boelter then fatally shot both Hortman and her husband.