A tragic wave of violence unfolded Sunday in Lexington, Kentucky, leaving two women dead, three others injured, and the gunman fatally shot by police, following a shocking sequence that began with the shooting of a state trooper and ended at a local church.
The incident began around 11:35 a.m. ET near Blue Grass Airport, when a Kentucky State Trooper pulled over a vehicle on Terminal Drive after receiving a license plate reader alert. The driver, later identified as the suspect, shot the trooper, fled the scene, carjacked a vehicle, and drove approximately 15 miles to Richmond Road Baptist Church, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers confirmed in a news briefing.
Once at the church, the gunman opened fire on people on the property. Two women were killed in the shooting — Christina Combs, 34, and Beverly Gumm, 72. Two men were also injured, one critically and one in stable condition. The wounded trooper is also reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been publicly released, was shot by three responding officers and was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest the gunman may have had a personal connection to someone at the church, although officials have not elaborated on the nature of that relationship.
Chief Weathers emphasized that there was no connection to the airport itself, though the shooting disrupted a portion of Terminal Drive. Airport operations resumed soon after, with officials redirecting passengers and maintaining normal flight schedules.
The Richmond Road Baptist Church community, described by Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn as a tight-knit group, was left devastated by the loss. “It’s a very small congregation. Many of the members are related,” Ginn said.
Community and Political Reactions
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his condolences and praised law enforcement:
“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,” he posted on X.
Other Kentucky leaders echoed similar sentiments.
Congressman Andy Barr said he was monitoring the situation closely and offered prayers for the victims and first responders.
Attorney General Russell Coleman called it a devastating moment for the Commonwealth, saying:
“Today, violence invaded the Lord’s House.”
Senator Rand Paul added:
“Violence like this has no place in Kentucky.”
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are still working to determine a motive and the full timeline of events. The shooter’s name has been withheld pending family notification.
As Lexington mourns the lives lost, officials continue to call for unity, prayer, and vigilance in the wake of yet another act of gun violence in a place of peace.