(LEX 18) — Gov. Beshear took to social media to share his thoughts after two Democratic lawmakers were killed in a "targeted" incident early Saturday. Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, while State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot.
Beshear said on social media, "Hearing the terrible news out of Minnesota this morning. While we wait to learn more, I hope you’ll join Britainy and me in praying for the families and communities affected. To my friend Gov. Tim Walz, we’re here for Minnesota."
The Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Colmon Elridge released a statement that reads:
“What happened in Minnesota is unacceptable in a free democracy. No American should live in fear of becoming the target of violence for their political beliefs or service to their communities. Our prayers are with the victims’ families and loved ones.”
In addition, Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester) made the following statement:
"My heart goes out to the family and dear friends of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. I condemn the person or persons involved in the despicable acts that resulted in their deaths. As we await the medical outcome of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, I extend my heartfelt prayers and thoughts to their families and the rest of Minnesota.
"If we are to preserve and strengthen this country, we must choose respect over rage, justice over lawlessness, and unity over division.
"These heinous murders in Minnesota are unforgivable. The blatant disregard for human life and the taking up of arms for political gain is inexcusable.
"This extreme, violent behavior needs to stop, and the rhetoric ratcheted down. Disrespect for human life and the rule of law does not build up our extraordinary country, but only succeeds in tearing it down."
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg posted the following statement regarding the incident on X:
Our hearts are with the families of the Minnesota elected officials who were assassinated and injured earlier today. Rachel and I know-far too well-the deep and lasting toll that gun violence takes. It doesn’t just affect the victims and their loved ones. It also shakes entire…
— Mayor Craig Greenberg (@LouisvilleMayor) June 14, 2025
Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne made the following statement regarding the situation:
“On behalf of the Kentucky House of Representatives, I offer condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Melissa and I had the opportunity to work together in several national legislative organizations when she served as House Speaker and her dedication to public service was obvious.
“Our thoughts and prayers are also with Senator John Hoffman and his wife as they recover from what appears to be to a related attack.
“Although details surrounding these senseless acts of violence remain scarce, early indications suggest that the individuals were targeted due to their public service and the political positions they held. The assassination of a Minnesota state legislator and the attempted assassination of another must serve as a wakeup call. While political debate is critical to our republic, we cannot forget that it exists only to advance good public policy for the benefit of our state and nation. Respect must be at the foundation of every disagreement and we must not allow political differences to harden into hatred and violence.”
Andy Westberry, the spokesperson and communications director for the Republican Party of Kentucky, released the following statement in response to the killings:
"The shootings that occurred in Minnesota this morning are horrific and unacceptable. The Republican Party of Kentucky extends its deepest condolences to the family of Speaker Hortman and her husband. We are also praying for the recovery of Sen. Hoffman and his wife, who were also targeted.
"I was present at the 2017 congressional baseball shooting in Washington, D.C., and have been a witness to this kind of violence. I am calling on lawmakers, commentators and political operatives to dial down the rhetoric. I hope Americans—regardless of party—will take the day to reflect on the over-the-top, sensationalized language that has become far too prevalent in our political discourse. The words we use matter, and we should all remember that what one might consider mere rhetoric may be taken by unstable individuals as a call to action."
