FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky’s governor said the commonwealth needs to do a better job addressing racial inequality.

"It tears at the fabric of who I am to see this happening, but I hope that we can respond the right way," Gov. Andy Beshear said, responding to protests Thursday over the death of Breonna Taylor. "I hope that we can be better. And I really hope that we can listen but we can do something about it."

Someone fired gunshots during protests Thursday night, injuring seven people, and now Kentucky State Police troopers will be brought in to help keep the peace.

"If LMPD needs that help, if the city of Louisville, for keeping things peaceful, needs that help, they’ll be there," Beshear said.

Beshear also echoed the thoughts of Breonna Taylor’s mother, who called for peaceful protests in a statement.

"I want people to be heard," Beshear said. "And I want them to be able to be heard without violence and without people hijacking what is a peaceful, but can and potentially should be a very demonstrative protest or rally or you pick, from becoming something that’s not productive."

Beshear said he’s doing what he can to address inequality in his own administration, but there’s more that can be done.

He said healthcare reform is a prime example, especially now with the coronavirus hitting minority communities harder.

"I’m trying to be thoughtful about it, especially with what’s going on right now about how we address the inequity in health care. Because I believe that while a lot is going on right now, and a large part is in our justice system, this virus has laid bare inequalities in our system."

Beshear said he knows tensions are high and he can’t offer the perfect solution, but he’s trying to listen.