Kentucky Church Shooting Today: On a quiet Sunday morning, July 13, 2025, the peaceful community of Lexington, Kentucky, was shattered by a horrific series of events that unfolded at Richmond Road Baptist Church and near Blue Grass Airport. What began as a routine traffic stop spiraled into a deadly shooting rampage, leaving two women dead, three others injured, including a state trooper, and the suspect killed by police. The tight-knit congregation and the city are now grappling with grief, searching for answers in the wake of this senseless violence. Here’s a look at what happened, the impact on the community, and the ongoing investigation.
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The Unfolding of a Tragic Day
The tragedy began around 11:36 a.m. when a Kentucky State Police trooper pulled over a vehicle near Blue Grass Airport after a license plate reader alert. The suspect, later identified by some sources as Guy House, opened fire, wounding the trooper, who was stabilized and is receiving treatment. The suspect fled, carjacking a vehicle on Belleau Wood Drive with no reported injuries during the theft. Using air support and real-time intelligence, police tracked the stolen vehicle to Richmond Road Baptist Church, about 16 miles away. There, the gunman opened fire on churchgoers, killing two women—Beverly Gumm, 72, and Christina Combs, 32—and injuring two men, one critically. Responding officers shot and killed the suspect at the scene. The church, a small, family-like congregation, was holding a service, with Pastor Jerry Gumm, husband to Beverly and father-in-law to Christina, among the wounded.
A Community in Mourning
Richmond Road Baptist Church, described as a close-knit community where most members are related or lifelong friends, is reeling from the loss. Beverly Gumm was remembered as a faithful member who loved God, while Christina Combs, a mother of five, was set to graduate nursing school soon. The personal connection deepens the tragedy: the suspect reportedly sought out an ex-girlfriend, the mother of his three children, at the church. When told she wasn’t there, he allegedly said, “Someone is gonna have to die then,” before opening fire. Star Rutherford, Beverly’s daughter, recounted holding her mother as she died from a chest wound. The emotional toll is immense, with neighbors like Hampton, a regular churchgoer, expressing disbelief that violence invaded a place of worship and fellowship. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear called for prayers, stating, “Violence like this has no place in our commonwealth or country.”
The Investigation and Unanswered Questions
The shootings are under investigation by the Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team, with Lexington Police conducting an internal review, as three officers fired their weapons, all with activated body cameras. Authorities believe the suspect had a connection to the church, possibly tied to a domestic situation involving an ex-girlfriend who had filed protection orders against him. Reports suggest the suspect had a history of mental health issues, drug problems, and anger issues, but no clear motive has been established. The suspect’s identity remains unconfirmed publicly until his family is notified. Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers noted, “Sometimes things happen, you just don’t have a reason why,” reflecting the challenge of making sense of such violence. The community awaits further details as the investigation unfolds.
Moving Forward with Resilience
Lexington is a city known for its strong community bonds, and residents are already rallying to support those affected. Governor Beshear and Attorney General Russell Coleman praised the swift response of law enforcement, with Coleman stating, “Today, violence invaded the Lord’s House.” Local leaders, including Senator Rand Paul and Representative Andy Barr, expressed solidarity, urging unity and gratitude for first responders. As the congregation and families grieve, the focus is on healing and honoring the lives lost. The road ahead will be difficult, but Lexington’s tight-knit spirit offers hope for recovery amidst this heartbreaking tragedy.