LEXINGTON, Ky. (BN24) — A shooting that began with the wounding of a Kentucky state trooper ended in more bloodshed Sunday when a gunman killed two women at a church in Lexington before being shot dead by police, authorities said.
The violence unfolded after the trooper stopped a vehicle near the airport, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers told reporters at a news conference. The suspect opened fire, injuring the trooper, then carjacked another vehicle and drove to Richmond Road Baptist Church in southwest Lexington.
There, the assailant began shooting at people inside the church.
“Preliminary information indicates that the suspect may have had a connection to the individuals at the church,” Weathers said.
The names of the suspect and the victims were not immediately released as police continued their investigation into the shooting spree.
Lexington police officers later confronted and fatally shot the gunman.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called for prayers and expressed gratitude for the law enforcement response.
“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,” Beshear said in a statement posted to social media.
