Kentucky [US], July 14 (ANI): Two women were killed and two men injured Sunday in a shooting at the Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, after a suspect fled from a traffic stop and opened fire on church property, CNN reported, citing officials.
The incident began around 11:35 AM ET near Blue Grass Airport, when a state trooper stopped a vehicle on Terminal Drive after a license plate reader alert. During the stop, the officer was shot before the suspect fled, carjacked another vehicle, and drove approximately 15 miles to the church.
At a news conference, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said preliminary information suggests the suspect may have known people at the church but did not elaborate. Once at the church, the suspect “fired his weapon at individuals on church property,” Weathers said.
Three responding officers returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene. His name has been identified, but authorities are withholding it pending family notification.
The victims fatally shot were identified as Beverly Gumm, 72, and Christina Combs, 34. Two men were also injured; one remains in critical condition, while the other is stable. The injured state trooper is also listed in stable condition.
Police confirmed that the initial shooting was unrelated to airport operations, though it did temporarily impact part of Terminal Drive. Airport officials posted on X, “Our team is on site guiding passengers to open parking. All flights and operations are now continuing as usual.”
Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn described the church as a small, close-knit congregation. “It’s a very tight-knit group of people at the Richmond Baptist Church,” Ginn said, noting he was able to notify families promptly.
At the time of the shooting, a sermon was being livestreamed on Facebook, during which Pastor Jerry Gumm had reportedly mentioned death multiple times, CNN noted.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged prayers and gratitude for law enforcement, writing on X: “Please pray for everyone affected by these senseless acts of violence, and let’s give thanks for the swift response by the Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police.”
US Representative Andy Barr also posted: “Praying for the Kentucky State Trooper injured today and all parishioners injured at Richmond Road Baptist Church. I’m grateful for the State Police and first responders.”
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said the shooting “invaded the Lord’s House” and “shocked the entire Commonwealth.” Senator Rand Paul added that he was “saddened to hear about the tragic shootings,” and praised the bravery of first responders, saying “violence like this has no place in Kentucky.” (ANI)
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