Two people have been killed and three injured after shootings near a Kentucky airport and at a church.
Around 11:36 a.m. on Sunday, July 13, Lexington Police officers responded to a shooting on Terminal Drive involving a Kentucky State Trooper.
The trooper had pulled over a vehicle after receiving a license plate reader alert, but the suspect shot the trooper and fled the scene near Blue Grass Airport.
Highlights
- Two people were killed and three injured in shootings near Blue Grass Airport and Richmond Road Baptist Church in Kentucky.
- A Kentucky State Trooper was shot after pulling over a suspect, who then fled and fired shots at a church 15 miles away.
- The suspect was killed by three officers at the church scene and had a personal connection to people there.
- Victims Beverly Gum and Christina Combs died at the church; two men were wounded, with one in critical condition.
Two people were killed in a shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church
Image credits: Michael Swensen/Getty Images
A short while later, the suspect stole a car and drove about 15 miles to the Richmond Road Baptist Church, firing his gun at people on the property.
Beverly Gum, 72, and Christina Combs were killed at the scene.
The Fayette County Coroner earlier identified Combs as 32 years old, but CNN reports she was 34.
Two male victims were also shot and taken to hospital for treatment, with one suffering critical injuries and the other described as being in a stable condition.
Early investigations suggest the shooter, who was shot and killed by three officers at the scene, had a personal connection to individuals at the church.
Image credits: Michael Swensen/Getty Images
The shooter’s identity will be released by law enforcement when their family has been notified, police said.
At a press conference, Chief Lawrence Weathers said the incident would have a “huge impact on our community” as he sent his condolences to the victims’ families.
Support would be available to those who needed it, he added.
Coroner Gary Ginn said Richmond Road Baptist Church was a small church and most of the members who attended were either biologically related or very close friends.
Image credits: Kentucky State Police
“It is a very tight-knit group of people,” he said at the press conference.
Governor Andy Beshear said he was “heartbroken” to hear of the incident.
“I’m heartbroken to share the shooting in Lexington at Richmond Road Baptist Church has taken the lives of two people,” he wrote on X.
“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.”
The shooter’s identity will be released at a later time
“Violence like this has no place in our commonwealth or country. Please join Britainy and me as we pray for the families of those lost, each one a child of God gone too soon. Thank you to the @lexkypolice and @kystatepolice for their brave efforts today.
“Kentucky, let’s stand strong together and support our Lexington neighbors during this difficult time.”
Council Member Tyler Morton described it as a “tragedy” and sent his thoughts to the victims' families.
“Today’s tragedy has shaken our community. Two lives were senselessly taken, and others were injured—including a Kentucky State Trooper shot in the line of duty,” he said in a statement.
“Violence like this has no place in our city. My heart is with the families of those we lost, those who are recovering, and everyone affected by this horrific act.
“We stand in solidarity with the impacted congregation and the entire Lexington community. I’m grateful for the swift, courageous response of the Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police—your bravery prevented an even greater tragedy.”