Three Dead, Including Gunman, in Shootings at Blue Grass Airport and Lexington, Kentucky Church

Police assess the scene after a shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church on Sunday.

Three people are dead—including the suspected gunman—after a violent string of shootings Sunday in Lexington, Kentucky, beginning at Blue Grass Airport and ending at Richmond Road Baptist Church.

According to Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers, the incident began at approximately 11:36 a.m. when a Kentucky State Police trooper conducted a traffic stop at the airport terminal road after receiving a license plate reader alert. The driver, who was later identified as the suspect, shot the trooper before fleeing the scene. The trooper was stabilized and is receiving treatment.

The gunman was located approximately 16 miles southeast at Richmond Road Baptist Church, where he opened fire again. Police fatally shot the suspect at the church, but not before four people were struck by gunfire—two of whom were killed.

The Fayette County Coroner identified the deceased as 72-year-old Beverly Gumm and 32-year-old Christina Combs. Public records and social media indicate that Gumm was Combs' mother and the wife of the church’s pastor.

The other two victims, both male, were also shot on church property. One remains in critical condition, while the other is stabilized. Authorities believe the shooter had a personal connection to individuals at the church, though the motive has not been confirmed.

The gunman's identity has not been publicly released pending notification of next of kin, but officials say his identity is known to law enforcement.

Lexington Fire Department responded to the initial airport shooting at 11:39 a.m. and transported one individual with serious injuries. Blue Grass Airport temporarily shut down a terminal and nearby roadway out of caution, but operations later resumed.

Police Chief Weathers stressed that the shooting was not directly related to the airport itself. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Kentucky State Police are assisting Lexington detectives in the ongoing investigation.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the tragedy in a statement, asking the public to pray for those affected and thanking law enforcement for their rapid response.

“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,” Beshear said.

State Attorney General Russell Coleman also issued a statement, commending first responders and underscoring the daily risks faced by law enforcement.

“This is another reminder of the grave danger we ask law enforcement to face every single day,” Coleman said, adding that his office is prepared to support the investigation.

The church community and broader Lexington area remain in mourning as investigators continue to piece together the events and seek answers behind the tragic shootings.