Andy Beshear, other leaders react to London, Kentucky, shooting
An active-shooter situation Saturday night near London, Kentucky, led to the shutdown of Interstate 75 in both directions for nearly three hours.
Five people were shot and police continue to search for suspect Joseph Couch.
Couch is a 32-year-old white male who is approximately 5-foot-10 and weighs approximately 154 pounds. The Laurel County Sheriff's Department asked anyone with information on his whereabouts to call the London-Laurel County 911 Center.
Here's a look at reactions to the shooting:
Latest on shooting: Kentucky I-75 shooting: State police continue manhunt for suspect Monday
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear
Gov. Andy Beshear is currently in Austin, Texas, speaking at the Texas Democratic Party’s annual dinner. During his speech, he made brief reference to the shooting back in Kentucky, saying, "We are still praying for the safe recovery of everyone," adding that Americans should not have to live in fear of being shot crossing bridges and overpasses.
“We must do better.”
Earlier in the evening, Beshear posted on X, formerly Twitter, that his office alongside the Kentucky State Police and the Office of Homeland Security, "are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way possible."
More: Where is London, Kentucky? City with active shooter situation in Laurel County
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul
In a social media post on Monday, Sen. Rand Paul said he is "grateful to our brave law enforcement for their heroic efforts in keeping us safe. I'm keeping those searching for the I-75 shooter in my thoughts and prayers."
Timmy Truett, state representative
Timmy Truett, a Republican who represents part of Laurel County in the state House, posted on Facebook on behalf of Laurel County legislators:
"While the situation at I-75 and US 25 is ongoing, we ask community members to avoid the area and request those who live in the vicinity remain in their homes as local law enforcement and the Kentucky State Police work.
“As we continue to learn more about this attack, we ask for prayers for everyone involved, the victims, their families, and the first responders. Without a doubt, this is an act of terrorism that does not reflect the values of this community, our Commonwealth, or its people.”
Charles Booker
Charles Booker, a former Kentucky House representative, posted on Facebook:
"To all of our loved ones in Laurel County, please stay safe. The suspected individual is believed to be armed and dangerous."
Daniel Cameron
Daniel Cameron, the former Kentucky attorney general, said in a post on X:
"Keeping those impacted by the situation in Laurel County in our prayers this evening. We’re also praying for law enforcement as they work to capture the shooter. Please remain vigilant and safe."
This story may be updated.
John Moritz, chief political reporter at the Austin American-Statesman contributed to this report. Contact reporter Olivia Evans at [email protected] or 502-582-4144.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Andy Beshear, other leaders react to Laurel County, Kentucky, shooting