“Our goal is to be prepared. To ensure that what happened at the US Capitol never happens here,” said Beshear, a Democrat, to CNN’s Alisyn Camerota on “New Day” on Friday, adding that Kentucky has already activated its Guard National for assistance.
In addition to preparation, Beshear emphasized the need to “recognize these people for what they are.”
“We learn that these people intend to cause violence, that they are domestic terrorists, and stop playing with these so-called militias, thinking that they dress like Halloween and act harshly,” said Beshear on Friday.
“If we don’t respond, if there is no total condemnation, that becomes the new normal and that would be a very scary America.”
After the US Capitol insurrection on January 6, militia members held a rally at the Kentucky state assembly, where, according to Beshear, one of the militia members appeared with zip ties.
Beshear faced threats personally in his own state for months. After his response to the Covid-19 pandemic in May, militia members hanged the governor with an effigy.
Others passed through the barriers of the governor’s mansion, where Beshear lives with his family, “shouting and complaining” for him to leave, he said. Beshear was not at the governor’s mansion that day.
“It’s not me that worries me – it’s everyone out there who can be threatened and bullied by people like that,” said Beshear on Friday. “And that’s why it takes everyone. Everyone across the country saying, ‘Enough of. “