Tragedy struck a Kentucky church on Sunday when a gunman, who had earlier shot and wounded a state trooper, fled to the church and opened fire, killing two people and injuring several others before being fatally shot by police. Authorities have identified the two victims who lost their lives as Beverly Gum, 72, and Christina Combs, 32. The suspect’s identity has not been publicly released as officials work to notify the shooter’s family.
According to Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers, the horrifying chain of events began shortly before noon when a Kentucky State Police trooper attempted to pull over a vehicle near the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington. During the traffic stop, the suspect shot the trooper, inflicting injuries that, according to police, have left the trooper in stable condition at a nearby hospital.
Following the shooting of the trooper, the suspect carjacked another vehicle and fled the scene. Police confirmed that no injuries occurred during the carjacking. The suspect then drove to Richmond Road Baptist Church in southwest Lexington, where he continued his violent spree.
Once at the church, the gunman opened fire on the people inside, killing Beverly Gum and Christina Combs. Authorities believe there may have been a personal connection between the shooter and at least some of the victimsinside the church, although the nature of those connections has not yet been detailed publicly.
In addition to the two fatalities, two other men were shot and wounded during the church attack. One of those victims sustained critical injuries and is receiving treatment, while the other was reported to be in stable condition. Both were taken to nearby hospitals for medical care alongside the injured state trooper.
The violent sequence of events finally came to an end when Lexington Police confronted and fatally shot the suspect. Police Chief Weathers confirmed that the suspect was killed during the officers’ response to the active shooter situation inside the church. Officials praised the swift and decisive actions of law enforcement in preventing further bloodshed.
At a press conference, Chief Weathers emphasized the tragic impact on the local community and acknowledged how deeply these senseless acts of violence have shaken the city. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and thanked the officers and troopers for their courageous response under extreme circumstances.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also issued a statement in the wake of the tragedy, offering prayers and support to the victims and their families. “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,” Governor Beshear said.
Authorities have not yet provided details on the suspect’s motive or the events leading up to the initial traffic stop. Investigations are ongoing, and officials have assured the public that more information will be shared as it becomes available. Law enforcement agencies are working together to piece together the timeline and circumstances that led to such a tragic day.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families, aiding those injured in recovery, and helping the Lexington community heal from this heartbreaking and violent incident. The names of the two men injured during the church shooting have not yet been released.
The entire state of Kentucky is mourning alongside the affected families as the community grapples with the devastating aftermath of this horrific event.
