Kentucky leaders react after 2 lawmakers killed, 1 injured in Minnesota

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Gov. Andy Beshear and other state leaders have issued public responses after a reported politically motivated assassination in Minnesota.

According to the Associated Press, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot to death, and Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot and wounded.

Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said the suspect was posing as a law enforcement officer.

Beshear took to X just after 10 a.m. on Saturday, asking for prayers for the communities affected.

“To my friend Gov. Tim Walz, we’re here for Minnesota,” he wrote.

Colmon Elridge, Kentucky Democratic Party (KDP) chair, said in a news release that the killing of Sen. Hortman and her husband and the attempted assassination of Sen. Hoffman and his wife were 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.”

Andy Westberry, communications director for the Republican Party of Kentucky (RPK), called the shooting horrific and unacceptable.

“I am calling on lawmakers, commentators and political operatives to dial down the rhetoric,” Westberry wrote. “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.”

Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers said in a news release on Saturday that violent behavior across the nation needs to stop.

“These heinous murders in Minnesota are unforgivable,” Stivers said. “The blatant disregard for human life and the taking up of arms for political gain is inexcusable.”

Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne and House Minority Floor Leader Pamela Stevenson called on leaders across the nation to condemn political violence in all 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,” Stevenson and Osborne wrote.

A search for the shooter, identified by law enforcement as Vance Boelter, 57, remains ongoing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 56 News for updates.