A car chase began with gunmen shooting and injuring police officers, and the two were fatally shot dead at a Kentucky church, officials said.
The suspect fired a state policeman while at a traffic stop, then drove a vehicle and drove to Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, where he opened fire at parishioners after law enforcement shot him dead.
Two women, 72 and 32, died in Sunday’s place of worship attack and two male parish residents were injured, police said.
Investigators believe the suspect has connections with the church’s individuals. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear posted on X that “such violence has no place in our Commonwealth or country.”
The initial shooting occurred Sunday at 11:36 local time (15:36 GMT) near the regional hub Bluegrass Airport in Fayette County.
Lexington Police Commissioner Lawrence Weathers pulled the suspect’s car in the terminal after receiving the registration board reader alert. He said the incident had nothing to do with the airport.
Chief Weathers said the suspect fired before performing a carjacking, during which time the vehicle was not injured.
Chief Seabree said the injured soldiers were “in a stable treatment situation.”
The gunman drove about 16 miles (25 kilometers) toward the church, and law enforcement officers were chasing him.
Chief Wethers said: “The suspect fired weapons at individuals on church property.”
“Preliminary information indicates that the suspect may have a connection with the individuals in the church.”
Four people – two men and two women – were shot dead on the ground of the church. The women were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two male victims were taken to local hospitals, one of whom was seriously injured and the other was in stable condition.
An official in the Fayette County Coroner’s Office said the church was small and most of the attendees were relatives or close friends.
“This is a very close group of people from Richmond Baptist Church,” the official said.
Police said Kentucky Police and the department’s Public Integrity Department are investigating the incident.
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