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MLIVE: ‘We cannot let terrorists terrorize us,’ says Ann Arbor rep targeted by Minnesota shooter

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell hosted a town hall Monday evening in Dexter despite her name being on the “hit list” of the shooter who killed a Minnesota state representative and her husband and injured a state senator and his wife.

“We have to ensure in these times that our voices are not silenced, that we do not become afraid.” the Ann Arbor Democrat said. “Our democracy depends on our involvement our engagement and us being we the people and making our voices heard.”

Police secured the town hall in the Dexter High School Auditorium. At the entrance to the building, police met attendees, scanned them with handheld metal detectors and looked through their bags. Police also lined the hallway into the auditorium.

Hundreds of people attended to voice their concerns to area Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Sue Shink of Northfield Township and Rep. Jason Morgan of Ann Arbor.

At the town hall, Dingell confirmed she was notified Sunday that her name was on the shooter’s list.

“They called and said the FBI had, that my name had been on the list, but I’m going to keep fighting for the people I represent,” Dingell said.

Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, cancelled her town hall after learning her name was on the list connected to the shootings, but Dingell decided against it despite the advice of some people she talked to.

“It is very important to me that we continue and carry on; we cannot let terrorists terrorize us,” Dingell said. “We had a call this morning where I was honest with them, and everybody agreed that we have to do this.”

The suspected shooter, Vance Boelter, had a list of 45 elected officials in his car, which reportedly included the names of several Michigan Democrats, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson of Detroit, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly; and U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit; Haley Stevens, D-Birmingham; and Shri Thanedar, D-Detroit, according to news reports. Boelter was arrested Sunday after a police manhunt and faces first-degree murder charges in what are believed to be politically motivated killings.

Dingell led the town hall with a moment of silence for the deaths of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, killed Saturday at their home. Boelter also allegedly wounded Democratic Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

Dingell thanked Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer for her help protecting Dexter High School.

Several members of the crowd thanked Dingell for her courage and persistence, and Dingell emphasized the importance of being able to hear from her constituents.

“We care about you, we fight for you, and we want to hear from you tonight,” Dingell said.

Because of the importance of connecting with local Michiganders, Dingell said she usually goes out without staff so people can speak with her, but she has been told she needs to be more cautious moving forward.

“I’ve got a great chief and the sheriff from here both said to me ‘you’ve just got to be a little more careful,’ Dingell said. “And they’ve been great because they’re not keeping me from doing what I want to do.”