On the morning of the 13th, a shooting occurred at the Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. The suspect was identified as a pro-Palestinian individual. The gunman first shot and injured a Kentucky state trooper near the airport, then proceeded to the church where he opened fire, resulting in the deaths of two women, critically injuring one man, and slightly injuring another man. He then carjacked a vehicle to escape but was intercepted by the police, exchanged gunfire with officers, and was ultimately shot dead at the scene.
According to ABC News, on the morning of the 13th, the suspect was stopped by Kentucky state police while driving near Blue Grass Airport. He quickly drew a gun and shot at the officer before fleeing. He later drove to Richmond Road Baptist Church and opened fire, killing two women, critically injuring one man, and slightly injuring another man.
After committing the crime, the gunman hijacked a car and left the scene, but was quickly stopped by police. Realizing escape was impossible, he opened fire on the police, leading to a shootout in which he was shot dead.
The Kentucky State Police Department confirmed in a statement that the officer shot at the airport is in stable condition and not in any life-threatening danger. Police suspect the gunman may have had some connection or conflict with church members, but the motive is still under investigation. Multiple media outlets reported that the gunman was a pro-Palestinian Islamic extremist who frequently chanted slogans to "Free Palestine" and had previous criminal records including drug abuse.
Kentucky Governor Beshear posted on social media platform X, saying: "What happened at the Baptist church is heartbreaking. Such violence should have no place in our Commonwealth or nation. Kentucky, let us come together and support the residents of Lexington during this difficult time."