A Sunday morning turned into a tragedy in Lexington after a gunman shot a Kentucky state trooper and then opened fire inside Richmond Road Baptist Church, killing two women and injuring several others before being fatally shot by police.
Authorities say the suspect–whose name is being withheld until family notification–was pulled over near Blue Grass Airport around 11:36 a.m. by a trooper who had identified his vehicle through an automated license plate reader. The suspect immediately opened fire, seriously injuring the officer before fleeing the scene.
Bystanders near the airport rushed to the trooper’s aid. He was taken to a local hospital, where his condition was later reported as stable.
The suspect then drove approximately nine miles, carjacked another vehicle, and made his way to Richmond Road Baptist Church. Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said the suspect may have had personal ties to some members of the church.
Upon arriving, the gunman stormed into the church basement and demanded to see a woman–reportedly the mother of his children–who was not present. Witnesses say he chillingly declared, “Well, someone is gonna have to die, then,” before opening fire.
The victims were later identified as Beverly Gumm, 72, and her daughter Christina Combs, 32, who was a mother of five and weeks away from graduating nursing school. Their husbands–Pastor Jerry Gumm and Randy Combs–were also shot and hospitalized. One remains in critical condition.
Three Lexington police officers engaged the suspect and fatally shot him. All officers have been placed on administrative reassignment pending a Kentucky State Police review, which Chief Weathers said aligns with department policy.
Authorities confirmed the suspect had a documented history of drug use, anger issues, and mental illness. His former partner had previously filed for a protective order.
“This is a tight-knit congregation,” said Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn. “Most of these people are family or lifelong friends. It’s a devastating loss.”
Governor Andy Beshear called for prayers on X (formerly Twitter): “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.”
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman added: “Today, violence invaded the Lord’s House.”
This marks the second church shooting in the U.S. in less than a month. Last month, near Detroit, a church security team shot and killed an armed man before he could carry out an attack.
As investigators search for a definitive motive, Chief Weathers reminded the public: “Sometimes things happen, and we may never know why. But we will be there for the people of Lexington.”
