A deadly shooting spree in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday left two women dead, two men seriously wounded, and a state trooper hospitalized. Authorities identified the suspect as 56-year-old Guy House, a convicted felon with a history of violent offenses who was illegally in possession of a firearm. House was shot and killed by police during the incident.
House, who had prior charges including fleeing police, resisting arrest, and handgun possession as a felon in 2022, initiated the violence just before noon when a Kentucky State Trooper attempted to pull him over. House opened fire, wounding the trooper. Civilians rendered aid as House fled and carjacked a nearby vehicle.
Police tracked House to Richmond Road Baptist Church using surveillance tools. According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, House approached the church where members of the Rutherford family were gathered. When told his ex-partner, the mother of his children, was not present, House reportedly said, “Well, someone is gonna have to die, then,” and began shooting.
The victims include 72-year-old Beverly Gumm, a mother of eight, and 32-year-old Christina Combs, both members of the Rutherford family. Gumm’s husband, Jerry Gumm, the church’s longtime pastor, and Combs’ husband, Randy, were critically wounded. House also wounded the trooper during the initial encounter.
Images online show House wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh, a symbol frequently associated with support for Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group. Law enforcement is investigating how House acquired the weapon used in the attack despite his criminal record.
Three Lexington police officers engaged House at the church and fatally shot him. The officers have been placed on administrative leave pending investigation, which is standard protocol.
Senator Rand Paul and Governor Andy Beshear offered prayers and praised law enforcement’s response. Paul wrote, “Kelley and I are praying for all the victims, the injured trooper, and their families. We are grateful for the brave first responders.” Beshear similarly asked for prayers and expressed gratitude for law enforcement.
