Authorities report that two individuals were fatally shot at a church in Kentucky on Sunday, following a car chase that originated with a gunman shooting and injuring a state police officer.
According to officials, the suspect shot a state trooper during a traffic stop before hijacking a vehicle and driving to Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington. Upon arrival, he opened fire on parishioners before being fatally shot by law enforcement.
Police confirmed that two women, aged 72 and 32, died in the incident at the church, while two male parishioners sustained injuries.
Investigators are exploring potential connections between the suspect and individuals at the church. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the incident on X, stating, “Violence like this has no place in our commonwealth or country.”
The initial shooting occurred at approximately 11:36 a.m. local time (15:36 GMT) near Blue Grass Airport, a regional transportation hub in Fayette County.
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers stated during a news conference that a state trooper initiated a traffic stop on Terminal Drive after a registration plate reader alerted authorities. He clarified that the initial incident was unrelated to the airport.
Chief Weathers reported that the suspect shot the trooper, inflicting injuries that were not life-threatening.
Subsequently, the gunman hijacked a vehicle, unharmed, and drove approximately 16 miles (25km) towards the church, pursued by law enforcement.
“The suspect fired his weapon at individuals on church property,” Chief Weathers confirmed.
“Preliminary information indicates that the suspect may have had a connection to the individuals at the church.”
Authorities confirmed that four individuals – two men and two women – were shot on the church grounds.
An official from the county coroner’s office identified the deceased women as Beverly Gum, 72, and Christina Combs, 32. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The two male victims were transported to a local hospital, one in critical condition and the other in stable condition.
“The suspect was shot by responding law enforcement and was pronounced deceased at the scene,” Chief Weathers stated, adding that the gunman’s identity would be released pending notification of next-of-kin.
According to the county coroner’s office, the church is small, with most attendees being related or close friends.
“It’s a very tight-knit group of people,” the official added.
The Kentucky State Police and the department’s Public Integrity Unit are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
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