Two women killed at Kentucky church as gunman opens fire after shooting officer

July 13, 2025

A gunman fatally shot two women and injured two men at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky on Sunday after first shooting a state trooper during a traffic stop and carjacking a vehicle. Police Chief Lawrence Weathers indicated the suspect, who was killed by law enforcement at the church, likely had connections to individuals at the church. The victims were identified as Beverly Gum, 72, and Christina Combs, 32, while the two male parishioners were hospitalized with one in critical condition.

Who is affected

Two female parishioners (Beverly Gum, 72, and Christina Combs, 32) who were killed
Two male parishioners who were injured, one critically
A state trooper who was shot and injured
A person whose vehicle was carjacked (not injured)
The close-knit church community described as "either related or close friends"
The broader Kentucky community

What action is being taken

The Kentucky State Police and the department's Public Integrity Unit are investigating the incident
Law enforcement is working to notify the suspect's next-of-kin before releasing the gunman's identity
The injured male parishioners are receiving medical treatment at a local hospital

Why it matters

The incident represents a violent attack on a religious community
The targeted nature of the attack (with the suspect having "a connection to individuals at the church") suggests potential personal motives
The violence followed a sequence of dangerous criminal actions including shooting a police officer and carjacking
As Governor Beshear noted, such violence has "no place in our commonwealth or country"
The small, tight-knit church community has suffered significant trauma and loss

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC