Two people were killed and several others, including a Kentucky State Police trooper, were injured on Sunday in a violent series of shootings that ended at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the deaths and injuries, calling the incident “heartbreaking” in a statement posted on social media platform X.
The violence began around 11:36 AM when a Kentucky State Police (KSP) trooper was shot near Blue Grass Airport in Fayette County during a routine traffic stop. The suspect then fled the scene and drove approximately 17 miles to Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington.
At the church, the suspect opened fire again, injuring multiple individuals. Emergency medical services rushed to the scene as the situation unfolded.
Suspect shot dead at Church
Law enforcement officers from the Lexington Police Department and KSP were able to “secure the suspect” at the church. Authorities later confirmed that the suspect was shot and killed during the confrontation. The suspect’s identity has not yet been released.
“There are multiple victims at the church, and EMS is on scene,” KSP said in an official post on X.
Governor Beshear expressed sorrow over the tragic events and commended law enforcement’s swift action.
“I’m heartbroken to share the shooting in Lexington at Richmond Road Baptist Church has taken the lives of two people. Other injuries — including a Kentucky State Police trooper from the initial stop — are being treated at a nearby hospital. The shooter has also been killed,” he posted on X.
“Please pray for everyone affected by these senseless acts of violence,” he added.
Motive under investigation
Authorities are now investigating the motive behind the shootings. The suspect’s connections to the victims, if any, remain unclear. Both local and state agencies are working to piece together the timeline of events and gather more information about the attacker and those affected.
No further details about the victims or the suspect have been released as of Sunday evening.