Church Shooting in Kentucky Follows Police Officer Attack
(MENAFN) A tragic shooting unfolded in Kentucky when a gunman fatally shot two people at a church following a high-speed pursuit that started after he injured a state trooper, according to authorities.
The violent episode began during a routine traffic stop, where the suspect shot the officer, then hijacked a vehicle and fled the scene.
The armed suspect eventually made his way to Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington.
There, he fired at members of the congregation before being shot and killed by police officers. Law enforcement officials confirmed that two women, aged 72 and 32, lost their lives in the attack.
Additionally, two men who were part of the church community suffered injuries.
Authorities suspect that the shooter had some form of relationship with people at the church. In response to the tragedy, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear shared on X that "violence like this has no place in our commonwealth or country."
The incident began around 11:36 a.m. local time (15:36 GMT) on Sunday, in proximity to Blue Grass Airport in Fayette County.
During a press briefing, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers stated that the vehicle was stopped on Terminal Drive after a license plate reader flagged it.
He noted there was no link between the initial event and the airport.
Chief Weathers explained that the state trooper sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.
Following the shooting, the suspect commandeered a vehicle, though the person inside was unharmed.
The gunman then drove approximately 16 miles (25 kilometers) to the church, pursued by officers.
According to Chief Weathers, "the suspect fired his weapon at individuals on church property", triggering the deadly confrontation.
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