LEXINGTON, Ky; Two women dead, trooper injured in Kentucky church shooting; suspect fatally shot, police report
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two women were killed on Sunday during a violent series of events that began with a traffic stop and ended in a deadly shooting at a church in Kentucky, according to authorities. The suspect involved in the incident was also fatally shot.
The incident began when a Kentucky State Trooper conducted a traffic stop near Lexington’s airport after receiving an alert from a license plate reader. During the stop, the trooper was shot. Police said the trooper is currently in stable condition.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene by carjacking a vehicle and drove to Richmond Road Baptist Church. Once there, he opened fire, killing two women—a 72-year-old and a 32-year-old—according to the Fayette County Coroner. Two additional individuals at the church were injured. One remains in critical condition, while the other is in stable condition at a local hospital.
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers stated that the suspect was shot and killed by officers at the church. His identity has not yet been released, pending notification of his family. Chief Weathers added that preliminary evidence suggests the suspect may have had a personal connection to the victims at the church, although this has not been confirmed.
The church, which serves a small, closely-knit congregation, was left shaken by the tragic violence. Authorities said the distance between where the trooper was shot and the church is approximately 16 miles. Law enforcement tracked the stolen vehicle from the initial scene to the church and responded quickly to the unfolding situation.
The case is still under investigation, and officials have not disclosed a motive for the attack. Lexington Police and Kentucky State Police continue to work together to gather evidence and determine the full scope of the incident.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear took to social media to offer his condolences and commend law enforcement for their swift response. “Please pray for everyone affected by these senseless acts of violence,” he wrote. “Let’s give thanks for the swift response by the Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police.”
State Attorney General Russell Coleman also responded to the incident, emphasizing support for the investigation. “Today, violence invaded the Lord’s House,” Coleman said in a statement. “The attack on law enforcement and people of faith in Lexington shocked the entire Commonwealth.”
The tragedy has left the local community stunned and mourning, especially the members of the Richmond Road Baptist Church. As investigators continue their work, state and local officials are urging the public to remain united and supportive in the wake of such a devastating event. More information is expected as the investigation develops.
