Officials react to fatal shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church, injured officer

Herald-Leader Staff Report, Lexington Herald-Leader on Jul 13, 2025

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After shooting erupted at Blue Grass Airport and Richmond Road Baptist Church, injuring a Kentucky State Police trooper and killing at least two parishioners Sunday, community and elected officials reacted to the violence.

Police killed the suspect at the church.

Gov. Andy Beshear asked for prayers for the dead and injured.

“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,” he said in a statement on X. “Details are still emerging, and we will share more information as available.”

Mayor Linda Gorton said Lexington police already have a strong relationship with the Kentucky State Police and would continue the investigation.

“Like so many communities across the country, today our community has experienced a mass shooting, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries,” she said in a statement. “Our police have always had a strong partnership with state police. The agencies will work together to fully investigate this tragedy. We pray for the victims’ families and join our community in mourning this senseless tragedy.”

“Today, violence invaded the Lord’s House,” Attorney General Russell Coleman said in a statement. “The attack on law enforcement and people of faith in Lexington shocked the entire Commonwealth.

“We are grateful to the Kentucky State Police and Lexington Police Department, who courageously ran toward danger to protect this community. This is another reminder of the grave danger we ask law enforcement to face every single day. We go to houses of worship to gather in fellowship, unite in faith, and reach toward our Creator. In light of this tragedy, we turn to God with our prayers for the injured Trooper and the victims’ families.

“The detectives with the Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations stand ready to support both agencies with whatever they need in the days ahead.”

Congressman Andy Barr said he was monitoring the situation closely.

“Praying for the Kentucky State trooper injured today and all parishioners injured at Richmond Road Baptist Church,” he said in a statement. “I’m monitoring this situation very closely, and I’m grateful for the State Police and first responders involved in responding.”

Rev. Hershael York, dean of the school of theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville and pastor emeritus at Buck Run Baptist Church in Frankfort, called the shooting at the church “evil.”

“The evil demonstrated in so callous an act by someone who would enter a house of worship and open fire on worshippers in unfathomable,” he said. “I know people of faith will join me in praying for Pastor Jerry Gumm and the members of Richmond Road Baptist Church.

“May the Lord grant them healing and comfort in their suffering and sorrow.”

State Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, said she frequently drove by the church.

“When violence strikes where we gather to worship and serve, it shakes us deeply,” she said in a statement on X. “But even in grief, I believe in the healing power of faith, prayer, and community. To all those hurting right now—know that you are surrounded in prayer. As Kentuckians, and as people of faith, we’ll walk forward together with love, courage, and a steadfast hope that light will overcome darkness. My prayers are with the @kystatepolice, @lexkypolice and our community.”

Cathy Hobart, Moms Demand Action Leader for Kentucky called the shooting the kind of senseless tragedy they are working to prevent.

“But we need the help of lawmakers, and this means more than ‘thoughts and prayers’,” she said in a statement. “It means meaningful laws for prevention. Kentuckians have the right to safety from gun violence.”

At an afternoon press conference, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers thanked community members who helped the officer who was shot.

“We are going to be here for the people of Lexington,” Weathers said.