Two women shot dead at Kentucky church
The officer stopped the vehicle near Blue Grass airport in Lexington at 11.36am local time on Sunday (15:36 GMT), after receiving a 'licence plate reader alert'.
The shooter then opened fire on the officer, before proceeding to car-jack a vehicle and drive approximately 26 kilometres to Richmond Road Baptist Church.
The suspect then shot and killed two women at the church, who have been identified as Beverly Gum, 72, and Christina Combs, 32.
He was later shot by police and died at the scene.
'The suspect was shot by responding law enforcement and was pronounced deceased at the scene,' Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said.
Two men who were wounded at the church were admitted to hospital, with one victim sustaining critical injuries.
The police officer from the traffic stop was in a stable condition.
'Preliminary information indicates that the suspect may have had a connection to the individuals at the church,' the police chief added.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear posted on X that 'violence like this has no place in our commonwealth or country'.
I'm heartbroken to share the shooting in Lexington at Richmond Road Baptist Church has taken the lives of two people. Other injuries — including a Kentucky State Police trooper from the initial stop — are being treated at a nearby hospital. The shooter has also been killed. 1/3
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) July 13, 2025
State Attorney General Russell Coleman said detectives were ready to support local and state agencies.
'Today, violence invaded the Lord's House,' Mr Coleman said in a statement. 'The attack on law enforcement and people of faith in Lexington shocked the entire Commonwealth.'
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