A gunman who wounded a state trooper near Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday later opened fire at a nearby church, killing two women and injuring two men before being shot dead by police.
The violent rampage began at approximately 11.36am local time, when the suspect was pulled over by a state trooper on Versailles Road following a licence plate reader alert. According to Lexington police, the individual opened fire on the trooper before fleeing the scene and carjacking a vehicle in the 3700 block of Belleau Wood Drive.
The suspect then drove to Richmond Road Baptist Church, where four individuals were shot. Two women, aged 72 and 32, were pronounced dead at the scene. Two men were also shot, one critically injured, the other in stable condition, and transported to a nearby hospital, police chief Lawrence Weathers confirmed.
“There is preliminary information indicating the suspect may have had a connection to individuals at the church,” Weathers stated. The motive remains under investigation.
The gunman was fatally shot by police officers and pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have yet to release the suspect’s identity, pending family notification.
The wounded state trooper is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.
Three Lexington police officers discharged their weapons during the confrontation and, in line with department policy, had their body-worn cameras activated. They have been placed on administrative assignment while investigations proceed.
The Kentucky State Police critical incident response team is leading the investigation, with oversight from the Lexington Police Department’s public integrity unit.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear condemned the attack in an online statement: “Violence like this has no place in our commonwealth or country. Please join [my wife] Britainy and me as we pray for the families of those lost, each one a child of God gone too soon.”
He added: “Kentucky, let’s stand strong together and support our Lexington neighbours during this difficult time.”
Fayette County coroner Gary Ginn described the Baptist church as home to a small, tight-knit congregation now reeling from the tragedy.
State Attorney General Russell Coleman also expressed his shock and pledged full support from his office. “Today, violence invaded the Lord’s House. The attack on law enforcement and people of faith in Lexington shocked the entire commonwealth,” he said.
As investigators continue to piece together the chain of events, the community is left mourning another devastating episode of gun violence in the United States.
