Church Shooting Claims Two Lives After Trooper Ambush

Violence Erupts in Lexington Following Traffic Stop

Two women are dead after a violent spree on Sunday that began with a state trooper being shot near Lexington, Kentucky. Authorities say the same suspect carried out both attacks, ultimately dying at the scene.

Trooper Ambushed, Suspect Flees to Church

The incident unfolded around 11:30 a.m. when a Kentucky State Police trooper initiated a traffic stop. According to Lexington Police Chief **Lawrence Weathers**, the stop was prompted by an alert from a license plate reader. The trooper was wounded during the stop, described as being in stable condition.

Following the initial encounter, the suspect carjacked a vehicle and sped away. Police tracked the stolen car to Richmond Road Baptist Church, located approximately 26 kilometers from the site of the traffic stop. At the church, the suspect opened fire, resulting in further casualties.

Fatalities and Injuries at Worship Service

The Fayette County Coroner, **Gary Ginn**, confirmed that a 72-year-old woman and a 32-year-old woman were killed in the shooting at the church. Chief **Weathers** also reported that two other individuals sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. One of these victims suffered critical wounds, while the other was reported in stable condition.

Suspect Identified After Fatal Confrontation

Police engaged the suspect at the church, and the individual was fatally shot by officers. The suspect’s identity is being withheld pending family notification.

Chief **Weathers** indicated that preliminary findings suggest a possible connection between the suspect and those present at the church. “Preliminary information indicates that the suspect may have had a connection to the individuals at the church,” he stated at a news conference.

“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.”

—Andy Beshear, Kentucky Gov.

The attacks have sent shockwaves through the community. State Attorney General **Russell Coleman** remarked, “Today, violence invaded the Lord’s House. The attack on law enforcement and people of faith in Lexington shocked the entire Commonwealth.” His office has pledged support for the ongoing investigation.

This tragedy occurred in a community described by Coroner **Ginn** as having a small, close-knit congregation. Tragically, such violent incidents can have devastating effects on tight-knit communities; for example, in the United States, faith-based organizations are increasingly implementing security measures, with a 2022 survey by the National Association of Church Business Administration indicating that over 80% of churches reported having some form of security plan in place (CISA 2022).

All aspects of the shootings remain under active investigation by law enforcement agencies.