FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Lexington police are investigating after vandals target the mailbox of Kentucky Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Steven Stack.
Stack frequently attends Governor Andy Beshear's news briefings. He's in charge of the state's effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and distribute the vaccine to Kentuckians.
During Gov. Beshear's Monday afternoon briefing, the governor says someone spray-painted the words "COVID is PCR fraud" on Stack's mailbox. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a diagnostic test for COVID-19 and is considered the most accurate.
"This is a cowardly attempt to bully and terrorize Dr. Stack and his family," Gov. Beshear said in a statement. "It is critical that all federal, state, and local leaders denounce these actions and further recognize how their own words may incite these and other terrible acts. Enough is enough."
He also condemns vandalism at @StevenStackMD’s home. Governor Beshear says they will not be bullied.
— Katherine Collins (@KCollinsWLEX) January 11, 2021
Police confirmed with LEX 18 that the vandalism happened at Dr. Stack's personal mailbox at his property in Lexington.
"The Commonwealth of Kentucky owes Dr. Stack a real debt for his incredible public service in helping to guide us through this pandemic," said Gov. Beshear. "While other states have seen resignations of their top public health officials due to these types of actions Dr. Stack has stood strong knowing that what he is doing is right."
This is not the first time a Kentucky official's personal property has been vandalized this month. On Jan. 2, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's home in Louisville was vandalized. Messages in red and white spray paint covered the front porch area.
"Vandalism is reprehensible and there's no place in our politics for acts like this," said Republican Party of Kentucky spokesman Mike Lonergan. "Kentuckians deserve better and the Democrats should join us in condemning this act of vandalism."
