Kentucky Shooting: Tragedy at Lexington Church and Airport

On July 13, 2025, two related shootings shook Lexington, Kentucky, culminating in three fatalities and multiple injuries, including a state trooper. The incidents unfolded in a terrifying spree that began near the Blue Grass Airport and ended at the Richmond Road Baptist Church. Here’s a deep dive into what happened.

Incident Overview

The violence began during a routine traffic stop around 11:35 a.m. ET on Terminal Drive near Blue Grass Airport:

• A Kentucky State Police trooper pulled over a vehicle flagged by a license‑plate reader.

• The suspect opened fire, injuring the trooper, who remains in stable condition.

• The suspect then carjacked another vehicle and drove approximately 15 miles to the Richmond Road Baptist Church.

• At the church, the suspect opened fire, killing two women—Christina Combs (34) and Beverly Gumm (72)—and wounding two men, one critically.

• Responding officers shot and killed the suspect at the scene.

Casualties & Injuries

Timeline of Events

1. 11:30 a.m. – Traffic stop near Blue Grass Airport flagged via license-plate reader.

2. Shortly after – Suspect wounds trooper, flees scene.

3. ≈11:50 a.m. – Carjacking occurs; suspect heads to church location.

4. By noon – Shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church begins.

5. Minutes later – Police arrive and neutralize the suspect.

6. Afternoon – Authorities confirm fatalities and casualties; press conferences held.

Known Facts & Open Questions

• Suspect’s identity and motive remain undisclosed; authorities suggest a possible connection to church individuals.

• Ongoing investigations include FBI and local law enforcement analysis → body-cam footage, background data .

• Airport operations were briefly affected but have since resumed normally.

Community & Official Response

• Gov. Andy Beshear urged prayers, praised the rapid law enforcement response, and condemned the violence as “senseless”.

• AG Russell Coleman expressed shock over violence targeting a place of worship.

• Sen. Rand Paul referred to the tragedy as “shocking” and reiterated that such violence “has no place in Kentucky”.

• Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers described necissity and unpredictability of such incidents: “There are days like today that are extremely difficult … you just don’t have a reason why”.

Incident Details in Bullet Points

• Shooting began at Blue Grass Airport traffic stop (≈11:35 a.m.).

• Trooper wounded but in stable condition.

• Suspect carjacked a vehicle, escaped to church.

• Richmond Road Baptist Church: two women killed, two men wounded.

• Suspect was shot and killed by police.

• Churches considered safe havens—now tragically violated.

• Authorities pursuing motive, suspect ties to church community.

• Church service livestream may have captured the shooting moment.

• Investigation will include body-camera footage and recorded services .

• Community asked to support victims and pray.

What’s Next?

1. Official updates: law enforcement and political leaders will provide more clarity.

2. Investigative findings: suspect’s identity and motives will be released when families are notified.

3. Community healing: memorials, counselling, and solidarity events expected.

4. Security discussions: review of church–police coordination and response protocols.

Final Thoughts

The Lexington shootings are a stark reminder that violence can erupt anywhere—even sacred spaces like churches. The coordinated response by law enforcement ensured the situation was swiftly contained, and the community now grapples with grief, questions, and healing. As investigations continue, Kentuckians join together in prayer, solidarity, and hope for a safer tomorrow.