KY lawmakers react to Minnesota political shootings. ‘Our country is not OK.’
Kentucky lawmakers expressed sympathy — and fear — after two Minnesota lawmakers were shot, one fatally, at their respective homes Saturday.
Longtime Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman, a former House speaker, was assassinated at her home Saturday in the Minneapolis suburbs, along with her husband, Mark. They were killed by a person pretending to be a police officer in a “politically motivated assassination,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said.
The suspect also shot Democratic state Sen. John A. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home. Both were taken to the hospital and were still alive early Saturday afternoon.
A manhunt was underway early Saturday afternoon to find the assailant, who police say had a manifesto and a target list with names of individuals, including the two Democratic lawmakers who were shot.
“Hearing the terrible news out of Minnesota this morning,” Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear posted to X. “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.”
Many Kentucky Democrats are gathered this weekend in Owensboro for the party’s annual convention. Beshear and Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, who is a native Minnesotan, talked Friday night about how their party needs to work to overcome the country’s hyper-partisanship.
“We can stand up for every principle of the Democratic Party, but let’s make sure we’re spending our time in a way that lifts every American up — Democrat, Republican or Independent,” Beshear said. “It is how we will heal this country.”
The Kentucky Democratic Party said, “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.”
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, a Republican from Manchester, said in a statement: “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.”
House Speaker David Osborne, a Prospect Republican, said the shootings “must serve as a wake-up 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.”
In a joint statement with House Minority Speaker Pam Stevenson, a Louisville Democrat, the pair called on “leaders across the nation to join us in condemning political violence in all its forms.
Now, more than ever, we must recommit to fostering a culture of mutual respect, peaceful dialogue and unwavering support for the institutions that bind us together. ... It is essential to recognize that the common ground we share is far greater than the issues that divide us.”
Morgan Eaves, executive director of the Kentucky Democrats, said on X Saturday morning: “Our country is not OK. Thinking of MN and their loss today. No Americans should be violently targeted for their political beliefs or party affiliation. Leaders from both parties must stand together and call for an end to politically motivated and violent rhetoric
U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey, Kentucky’s only Democrat in Congress, also condemned Saturday’s violence.
“The assassination of Rep. Hortman and the attempted assassination of Sen. Hoffman are absolutely horrifying,” McGarvey said. “This brutal act underscores the urgent need to reject any normalization of political violence in our society. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all Minnesotans.”
Stivers also said he condemned the “person or persons involved in the despicable acts... as we await the medical outcome of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, I extend my heartfelt prayers and thoughts to their families.
“If we are to preserve and strengthen this country, we must choose respect over rage, justice over lawlessness, and unity over division.
This story will be updated.
This story was originally published June 14, 2025 at 12:12 PM.
