'Multiple' victims after shooting at Kentucky church, suspect dead: Police

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WDKY) — Multiple people at a Kentucky church were injured in a shooting after a suspect allegedly shot and wounded a state trooper near the Lexington airport, then fled the scene, authorities said. The suspect has died.

The suspect shot and injured the trooper just before 11:40 a.m. ET on Sunday, July 13, Kentucky State Police (KSP) said on social media. Lexington Police have since confirmed the shooting occurred on Terminal Drive near the Blue Grass Airport, though authorities said it was "unrelated" to the airport.

The suspect then fled the scene and "[ended] up at" the Richmond Road Baptist Church, roughly 16 miles away, where authorities said there were "multiple other victims." Their conditions were not immediately available, but emergency medical crews were on scene.

State police and officers with the Lexington Police Department "were able to secure the suspect" at the Baptist Church. Lexington Police said there was an officer-involved shooting at the church, and the suspect is deceased. Authorities did not provide additional details.

According to police, the injured trooper is stable and receiving medical treatment.

The area around the Baptist Church is now blocked off, with police asking residents to "follow all directions given by officers and use alternative routes."

"Officers will remain in the area until the investigation is complete," authorities said.

Officials at Lexington's Blue Grass Airport reported shortly before 1 p.m. ET that a law enforcement investigation was impacting a nearby road.

WDKY reported seeing agents with Kentucky State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement, and the Lexington Police Department on scene.

Flights were on schedule and operations were "continuing as usual," the airport said in a post to X. Arriving passengers were being guided to open parking.

"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," Governor Andy Beshear said in a post to X while acknowledging "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."