Boston’s political drama reached a boiling point this week as South Boston’s own Senator Nick Collins became the target of a deeply troubling incident. Collins was reportedly doxxed by Boston Herald reporter Chris Van Buskirk during the heated debate over Mayor Michelle Wu’s controversial tax proposal. The move, which included publishing Collins’ home address in print and online, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.

For 24 hours, the Herald’s online edition and tens of thousands of print copies revealed Collins’ personal information, putting his family and neighbors at risk. Since the release, Collins has received threats, faced online impersonation attempts including a fake Blue Sky account, and been assigned additional security by the State House Protective Services Unit.

Collins did not mince words in his response. “What Herald reporter Chris Van Buskirk did is clear and should be investigated: he intended to provoke and incite the unhinged to come to my home unannounced and harm or intimidate me, my family, and my neighbors for simply seeking the truth,” he said. “We won’t be bullied.”

A War of Numbers and Narratives

The controversy comes as Collins continues to challenge the mayor’s tax proposal, which aims to shift more of the property tax burden onto commercial property owners to ease the load on residential taxpayers. Collins had previously tabled the bill, demanding transparency from Wu’s administration on official property valuations. When those numbers finally surfaced, they revealed residential tax increases of 10.5%—far less than the 28% projected earlier, calling into question the urgency and rationale behind the proposal.

“I am in full support of residential tax relief for homeowners in Boston, and my colleagues in the Senate have expressed they support legislation that would do just that,” said Collins.

The stakes are high, with updated data suggesting the mayor’s plan could raise residential taxes even further. Meanwhile, business leaders are reevaluating their willingness to back the tax compromise amid shifting projections and political friction.

A City Council on the Clock

Senator Will Brownsberger joined Collins in voicing opposition on Monday.  Senate President Karen Spilka announced that the proposal wouldn’t pass. “I have heard clearly that there currently is not sufficient support for this proposal,” she said.

The ball is now in the Boston City Council’s court. Collins and Brownsberger have called on the council to send new legislation to the State House focused on targeted tax relief for seniors and low-income residents. However, time is running out. The council’s final 2024 meeting is scheduled for Wednesday before a planned three-week holiday break.

“Now we know the sky hasn’t fallen,” said Collins on the Senate floor, slamming what he described as a “campaign of fear and manipulation.” He urged the City Council to cancel its vacation and take action to pass meaningful relief before the year’s end.

Erin Murphy – City Councilor-at-Large, released a statement about transparency for Boston’s tax policy decisions that you can read here. 

“The latest developments in the State Senate highlight serious concerns about transparency, trust, and the impact of the Home Rule Petition on Boston’s residents and businesses. New data has shifted the conversation, and it’s clear we must prioritize fairness and accountability as we move forward,” said Murphy.

Fallout from the Doxxing

The doxxing incident has cast a shadow over an already contentious debate, raising serious questions about ethics in journalism and the safety of public officials. Southie residents are rallying behind Collins, with many calling for an investigation into the Herald’s actions.

“This is beyond politics—it’s about basic decency,” one resident said. “If this can happen to someone like Senator Collins, what does it say about where we’re headed?”

Collins himself has called for action from the Herald and the State House Press Association, describing the incident as “reckless yellow journalism.”

“I have no problem debating anyone civilly about any issue,” said Collins, “but publishing my address—the home of my wife and daughters—to intimidate me crosses a line. No elected official should be subjected to this.”

We reached out to Van Buskirk for comment, but haven’t heard back.