Two women were killed and two men were injured in a shooting at a Baptist church in Lexington, Kentucky, July 13, according to local reports.
The suspect arrived at the Richmond Baptist Church and opened fire on those inside, according to WLKY. According to Axios, the victims have been identified as 72-year-old Beverly Gumm and 34-year-old Christina Combs. Police said that one of the men who was shot is in critical condition and the other is in a stable condition.
Police responded to the scene at the Richmond Road Baptist Church and shot the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a July 13 press release from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
The suspect arrived at the church after shooting a Kentucky State Trooper who had stopped the suspect on Terminal Drive near the Blue Grass Airport after receiving a license plate reader alert, according to the release.
The suspect shot the trooper and then carjacked a vehicle to flee the area, according to the release. Police officers tracked the stolen vehicle to the Baptist church, which is about 20 minutes from the airport.
“Preliminary information indicates that the suspect may have had a connection to individuals at the church,” the release states.
An investigation into the shooting is ongoing. The release stated that information on the suspect will be made public after the family is notified.
According to FOX News, Lexington Police Department Chief Lawrence Weathers said bystanders were “en route to the airport, and they got out and assisted the trooper.” The Kentucky State Police issued a statement on X requesting information to help identify the bystanders who “provided life-saving procedures” to the injured trooper, who remains in stable condition.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued a statement on X that he was heartbroken over the news of the tragedy and called for prayers for the victims’ families.
“Kentucky, let’s stand strong together and support our Lexington neighbors during this difficult time,” he said.
In a July 13 statement, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman also emphasized the importance of responding with prayer.
“Today, violence invaded the Lord’s House. The attack on law enforcement and people of faith in Lexington shocked the entire Commonwealth,” Coleman said. “We are grateful to the Kentucky State Police and Lexington Police Department, who courageously ran toward danger to protect this community. This is another reminder of the grave danger we ask law enforcement to face every single day. We go to houses of worship to gather in fellowship, unite in faith, and reach toward our Creator. In light of this tragedy, we turn to God with our prayers for the injured Trooper and the victims’ families.
“The detectives with the Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stand ready to support both agencies with whatever they need in the days ahead.”