By Prof Bill Michael
A tragic shooting unfolded on September 28, 2025, at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, claiming the lives of two women during a Sunday morning service. The suspect, 47-year-old Guy E. House, a Lexington resident with an extensive criminal history, was killed by police during a confrontation at the scene. Three others, including a Kentucky State Police trooper, were injured in the incident.
The violence began around 11:35 a.m. EST near Blue Grass Airport on Terminal Drive, where House shot a trooper during a traffic stop after a license plate reader flagged his vehicle. The trooper, shot twice, remains in stable condition. House fled in a carjacked vehicle, leading police on a 15-mile chase to the church, where he entered and opened fire, killing two women and wounding two others, one critically. Police engaged House inside the church, fatally shooting him.
Guy E. House, born June 20, 1978, in Pewee Valley, Kentucky, had over 40 legal cases since 1998, including charges for robbery, domestic violence, and weapons offenses. He was due in court the following day for a domestic violence hearing. While social media speculated about ideological motives, no official reports confirm these claims, and the investigation into his motive continues.
The Lexington community is reeling from the attack on Richmond Road Baptist Church, a cornerstone of local faith. The church canceled evening services, and Pastor Mark Smith called for unity and healing. Lexington Police Chief Ron Perry praised officers’ bravery, and the FBI is assisting with the investigation. Governor Andy Beshear, in a statement on X, expressed heartbreak and directed state resources for victim support.
Kentucky has faced a rise in gun violence, with over 100 non-fatal shootings in Louisville alone this year. This incident follows other recent shootings, including one at a Lexington church in July and a shooting near a Mayfield high school in August. The community is mourning, with calls for prayers and discussions on gun violence and mental health.
