A violent shooting spree unfolded in Kentucky on Sunday, beginning with a wounded state trooper and ending in tragedy at a Lexington church, where four people were shot—two of them fatally.
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers confirmed that the suspect was initially stopped by a state trooper near Terminal Drive, just outside Blue Grass Airport, after a license plate reader flagged the vehicle. When approached, the suspect opened fire, injuring the trooper.
“There were people on their way to the airport who saw what happened and stopped to help the trooper,” Weathers said. “We truly appreciate their courage.”
The injured trooper is in stable condition and receiving medical care.
Church Tragedy Unfolds
After fleeing the scene, the suspect carjacked a vehicle—thankfully without injuring anyone—and was later tracked by police using aerial surveillance and real-time intelligence systems to Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington.
There, the suspect opened fire again, this time on church property, killing two women and wounding two men. Authorities identified the deceased victims as Beverly Gumm, 72, and Christina Combs, 32. One of the injured men remains in critical condition; the other is in stable condition.
According to police, the suspect may have had a personal connection to the church, but the motive remains under investigation.
Suspect Killed by Police
Responding officers fatally shot the suspect at the church. Chief Weathers stated that three Lexington police officers discharged their weapons in line with department protocol. All three will be placed on administrative leave while the incident is reviewed.
Leaders React to Tragedy
Senator Rand Paul expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Kelley and I are praying for all the victims, the injured trooper, and their families. We are grateful for the brave first responders. Violence like this has no place.”
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear echoed those sentiments, urging the public to “pray for everyone affected by these senseless acts of violence” and praising the quick response by law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing.