A tragic series of events unfolded in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday, July 13, 2025, resulting in multiple injuries and the death of the suspect following a shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church. The incident, which began with the shooting of a Kentucky State Police (KSP) trooper, has left the community in shock as authorities continue their investigation.
The incident began around 11:36 a.m. in Fayette County when a suspect shot a KSP trooper near Blue Grass Airport on Terminal Drive. The trooper, who sustained gunshot wounds, was reported to be in stable condition and is receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital. The shooting was unrelated to airport operations, and Blue Grass Airport resumed normal activities after a temporary road closure.
Following the initial shooting, the suspect fled approximately 16 miles to Richmond Road Baptist Church, located in a rural area of southeast Lexington. There, a second shooting occurred, resulting in multiple civilian injuries. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded promptly, providing on-site care and transporting victims to local hospitals. While initial reports indicated multiple injuries, an update from Governor Andy Beshear later confirmed that two individuals were killed in the church shooting, though the exact number and conditions of other victims remain undisclosed.
Lexington Police Department (LPD) and KSP officers pursued the suspect to the church, where an officer-involved shooting took place. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was fatally wounded and is now deceased. Authorities have not clarified whether the suspect’s death resulted from police action or was self-inflicted. The Fayette County Coroner was reported at the scene, and the area around the church was secured, with roads temporarily closed to ensure public safety.
Governor Andy Beshear addressed the tragedy, stating, “Kentucky, we are aware of a series of incidents in Lexington around one suspect, including a trooper-involved shooting and an additional shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church with multiple injuries. The trooper and others are being treated at a nearby hospital. 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. Details are still emerging, and we will share more information as available.”
The investigation involves multiple agencies, including KSP, LPD, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement. The LPD has stated that the shooting at the church is connected to the earlier incident near the airport and is being investigated as an officer-involved shooting. The KSP Critical Incident Response Team is assisting, and a news conference was scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET to provide further updates.
The motive for the shootings remains unclear, and authorities are actively processing evidence at the scene. The presence of law enforcement remains heavy in the area, and the public is urged to follow officers’ directions and use alternative routes.
This is a developing story, and additional details will be provided as they become available.
