During Gov. Andy Beshear’s coronavirus (COVID-19) briefing on Tuesday, for the first time at length, Beshear addressed a weekend protest at the Capitol that garnered national attention when a group of demonstrators marched onto the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion and hung an effigy of Beshear from a tree.
The effigy was adorned with a sign that read, “Sic semper tyrannis,” a Latin phrase that translates to “Thus always to tyrants.” Historians believe that is what John Wilkes Booth yelled after assassinating President Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre in April 1865.
The act has been denounced by both sides of the aisle, as state GOP and Democratic leadership have issued statements, with House Speaker David Osborne declaring that hanging the effigy was an “act of hatred.”
“I will not be afraid, I will not be bullied and I will not back down. Not to them, and not to anybody else,” Beshear stated.
During the demonstration, a right-wing militia group, known as the 3 Percenters, crossed barriers in front of the Governor’s Mansion where they stood on the front porch of the home and chanted.
“And there, just a windowpane away from where my kids often played, they chanted and heckled,” Beshear said. “While they were thankfully not there, I want to remind you my kids are nine- and 10-years old.
It was then, after the militia group neared Governor’s Mansion, that the effigy was hung on a tree on the grounds.
“This small group, way less than 3 percent, is trying to bully everyone else into doing what they want us to do,” Beshear said, before adding that the effigy was “a celebration of assassination on our Capitol grounds” intended to generate fear.
Beshear spoke about the decision and thought process to move his wife Britainy and children to Frankfort, the first governor to do so in over 30 years.
“I worried about a number of things. How would living in the community, with their dad as governor, affect my kids? What would it feel like to live in a house where people toured several days each week?” Beshear said. “One thing I never thought about, never questioned, was their personal safety. While I worried kids might be mean to them from time to time, I did not consider they might be bullied or heckled by adults.”
The governor noted that his administration offered the demonstrators a drive-up protesting permit, but the organizers declined. Beshear ridiculed the group for engaging in acts intended to intimidate, as well as politicians who have encouraged the demonstrators with their presence at previous rallies.
“You cannot fan the flames and condemn the fire,” he said.
Beshear, appearing resolute, vowed to continue to make decisions with the best interest of Kentuckians in his mind.
“I owe it to the people of Kentucky not to bow to terror, but to continue to do what’s right, for their families and for mine,” Beshear said. “Living my faith means I have to face adversity without losing my values.”
Late breaking — Man who hung effigy has been fired from his job
According to LEX18.com, one of the people who participated in hanging the effigy of Beshear has been fired from his job with Neil Huffman Auto Group.
Below is a statement the dealership issued Tuesday evening:
“The Neil Huffman Auto Group does not condone threats of violence in any form, whether they be a call to action or an implied threat. Following an internal investigation of this matter, the employee was terminated. There is no place for hate or intolerance at any of our dealerships.”
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
