Numerous lawmakers of both parties condemned threats of violence made against Governor Beshear, calling such threats “unacceptable.”
A post on Facebook on Saturday called for removing Beshear “by any means necessary via the Second Amendment.” Within hours, state constitutional officers and members of the General Assembly began responding to the comment, beginning with Senator Julie Raque Adams.
Dissent and disagreement are necessary for any healthy government. Threats of violence are not and are unacceptable. https://t.co/FKtaAWEz7U
— Attorney General Daniel Cameron (@kyoag51) April 19, 2020
This comment is reprehensible. Our Second Amendment protects fundamental rights; murder is not among them. In a civilized society, we settle our differences with ballots, not bullets. https://t.co/6qS51LbMB9
— Michael Adams, KY Secretary of State (@KYSecState) April 19, 2020
It’s one thing to disagree, another thing to threaten harm.
In America, we resolve issues at the ballot box, not with weapons.
Threats of violence against public officials or any person have no harbor in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Period. https://t.co/H15vlso6E3
— KY Ag Commissioner Ryan Quarles (2016-2023) (@KYAgCommish35) April 19, 2020
Others followed suit:
It’s extremely disheartening to see Kentuckians threatening the safety of our governor. I support Governor Beshear’s work to save the lives of our citizens, and I absolutely do not condone those who threaten violence.
The proper authorities have been notified.— Cherlynn Stevenson (@CherlynnForKY) April 19, 2020
A disturbing social media post that appears to reference assassinating our Governor was just brought to my attention. It goes without saying that any post calling for the harm of another person is never OK and will and should be taken seriously. These are certainly trying times,
— Wil Schroder (@WilSchroder) April 19, 2020
and while I have not agreed with all of the Governor's actions, calling for violence as a solution is never an acceptable answer in our Country. Those posts & comments do not represent the Kentucky that I know and love. Please join me in praying for Kentucky and all our leaders.
— Wil Schroder (@WilSchroder) April 19, 2020
https://twitter.com/RepBratcherKY/status/1251741526125940736
No matter our political stripes, respect for our common humanity is the bedrock of our democracy. Threats of violence against anyone are wrong and unacceptable.
— Patti Minter (@pattiminter4ky) April 19, 2020
Anyone who has irresponsibly stoked people's fears and resentments over the last few weeks should forcefully condemn any type of threatening behavior. We have to be better than this.
— Patti Minter (@pattiminter4ky) April 19, 2020
We live in difficult times, and I know tensions are high. That's why it's more important than ever to hold tight to our values. We must end the politics of hate that some wish to practice and get back to working together to solve the challenges we face. #TeamKentucky
— Patti Minter (@pattiminter4ky) April 19, 2020
Frightened folks have caved to fear & threatened our Gov. for doing his job, making hard decisions in hard times. Resist manipulation & division by those using this crisis for political advantage. Let's channel our ancestors & pull together to get the job done.
— Maria Sorolis (@Sorolis4Ky) April 19, 2020
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