A tragic series of events unfolded on July 13, 2025, near the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky, resulting in two deaths and three injuries. The shooting incident began when a Kentucky State trooper was involved in a confrontation with a suspect, and it quickly escalated to a second shooting at a nearby church.
The Initial Shooting Incident
Around 11:36 a.m., Lexington Police received reports of a shooting involving a Kentucky State trooper on Terminal Drive, near the airport. The trooper had pulled over a vehicle after an alert was triggered by a license plate reader.
During the traffic stop, the suspect opened fire, injuring the trooper. Fortunately, the trooper is in stable condition and is receiving medical treatment.
According to Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers, the shooting did not take place inside the airport. After shooting the trooper, the suspect fled the scene and headed to the nearby Richmond Road Baptist Church, where the situation took a tragic turn.
The Church Shooting and Victims
At the church, the suspect shot four individuals—two women and two men. Tragically, both women, Christina Combs, 32, and Beverly Gum, 72, were pronounced dead at the scene. One of the men is in critical condition, while the other is in stable condition.
The police quickly responded, and officers shot and killed the suspect at the church. Chief Weathers mentioned that the suspect may have had a personal connection to the church, though he did not disclose further details about the relationship or whether any victims were related to the suspect. The identity of the suspect is still being withheld, pending family notification.
Police Response and Community Impact
Following the shooting, the Lexington Police temporarily closed several surrounding roads for the safety of the community. The Lexington Fire Department also responded to the scene of the initial shooting near Terminal Drive. As the investigation continues, local authorities are piecing together the details of the events.
Chief Weathers described the Richmond Road Baptist Church as a small congregation, with many members being close friends or family, underscoring the emotional impact of the attack on the local community.
The tragic events near Blue Grass Airport have left the Lexington community in shock. Two innocent lives were lost, and several others were left injured in the wake of this violent spree. The investigation continues as authorities work to understand the full extent of what happened and why the suspect targeted the church.
