Lexington: At least three people were killed, including the suspect, and several others injured in a shooting spree on Sunday in Kentucky.
According to Anadolu Agency, the incident began at 11:36 a.m. local time when a suspect shot a Kentucky State Police trooper on Terminal Drive near Blue Grass Airport. The trooper, who had pulled over a vehicle following a license plate alert, survived the shooting and is now in stable condition. Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers confirmed that the shooting did not occur inside the airport terminal and was unrelated to its operations.
Following the initial shooting, the suspect carjacked a vehicle on Belleau Drive and drove to Richmond Road Baptist Church. There, the suspect opened fire, killing two women, 72-year-old Beverly Gum and 32-year-old Christina Combs, both church members. Two men were also shot, one critically and the other in stable condition.
The suspect was later killed at the scene by law enforcement. Kentucky State Police and the Lexington Police Department responded quickly to secure the area, with an ongoing investigation into the motives behind the attack. Preliminary information suggests the suspect may have had connections to individuals at the church.
Three Lexington police officers discharged their weapons during the incident, with body-worn cameras activated per department policy. The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team and Public Integrity Unit are leading the investigation, with involved officers placed on administrative assignment.
Police Chief Weathers expressed his gratitude to the Lexington Police Department and community members for their support. He also acknowledged assistance from state police, local agencies, and federal partners, including the ATF and FBI.
Senator Rand Paul expressed his sorrow over the incident, emphasizing that such violence has no place in Kentucky. The Fayette County Coroner's Office described the church community as close-knit, with many attendees related or long-time friends. The suspect's identity will be released once next of kin are notified.