Kentucky lawmakers react to shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- As authorities continue a manhunt for the suspect accused of shooting two Minnesota state lawmakers Saturday, Kentucky lawmakers are responding to the news.

Democratic former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in their Brooklyn Park home in what Gov. Tim Walz called “a politically motivated assassination.”

Authorities say the same suspect also shot and wounded a second lawmaker. Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, were injured at their Champlin address, about nine miles away.

Law enforcement agencies are fanned out across a Minneapolis suburb in pursuit of the man who authorities say posed as a police officer and fatally shot Hortman and her husband.

Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said at an afternoon news conference that authorities were looking for 57-year-old Vance Boelter and he has not yet been caught.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear issued a statement on X Saturday morning after news of the shooting broke.

"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."

Democratic Kentucky Rep. Morgan McGarvey called the shootings "horrifying."

"The assassination of Representative Hortman and the attempted assassination of Senator Hoffman are absolutely horrifying. This brutal act underscores the urgent need to reject any normalization of political violence in our society," McGarvey said in a statement. "My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all Minnesotans."

In a statement Saturday afternoon, The Kentucky Republican Party called the shootings "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," RPK Spokesperson Andy Westberry said. "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."

Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne shared the following statement on behalf of the House Majority Caucus:

“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.”

The Kentucky Democratic Party said in a statement the shootings are "unacceptable."

"What happened in Minnesota is unacceptable in a free democracy," KDP Chair Colmon Elridge said. "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."

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg also joined those sharing their condolences.

"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 communities," Greenberg wrote in a post on X. "I remain committed to doing everything in my power to help end gun violence. We are making progress and I urge others, throughout Louisville and every community across the country, to join in that effort."

This story will be updated as more reaction comes in.

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