State Officials React to Protesters Hanging Effigy of Kentucky Governor Outside of Capitol Building
State officials and lawmakers in Kentucky are expressing concern about an effigy of Gov. Andy Beshear (D) that was hung by protesters. On Sunday, protesters held a rally outside of the Kentucky State Capitol building to…
State officials and lawmakers in Kentucky are expressing concern about an effigy of Gov. Andy Beshear (D) that was hung by protesters.
On Sunday, protesters held a rally outside of the Kentucky State Capitol building to oppose the governor’s extended stay-at-home orders due to the coronavirus.
The crowd, which included approximately 100 protesters, could be heard chanting “Come out Andy” and “Resign Andy” while others held signs that read, “Abort Beshear from office” and “My rights don’t end where your fear begins,” according to USA Today.
See footage of the protests below:
The effigy, hung to a tree, included a photo of Beshear’s face with a sign that read, “Sic semper tyrannis.” As photos of the effigy began circulating on social media state officials and lawmakers weighed in with their concerns.
Kentucky Secretary of State Michael G. Adams (R), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and the Kentucky House Democratic leaders have all released statements to condemn the act.
“This is disgusting and I condemn it wholeheartedly,” Adams said. “The words of John Wilkes Booth have no place in the Party of Lincoln.”
McConnell released a statement saying the display was “unacceptable.” The Kentucky lawmaker also said that “there is no place for hate in Kentucky.”
Kentucky House Democratic leaders also released a collective statement criticizing the “hateful rhetoric” while challenging elected officials.