Tragedy at Richmond Road Baptist Church: Gunman Identified in Lexington Shooting That Left Three Dead and Multiple Injured
Community Mourns the Loss of Beverly “Gumm” Gum and Christina Combs as Investigation Unfolds
LEXINGTON, KY — A solemn silence has fallen over the city of Lexington following a devastating shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church that claimed the lives of three individuals, including two beloved members of the community and the suspected gunman, and left two other men injured, along with a Kentucky State Trooper who was previously shot in a connected incident at Blue Grass Airport.
Authorities have now officially identified the suspected shooter as Guy E. House, a 38-year-old male who, according to law enforcement sources, had affiliations with the church and had previously expressed political and religious beliefs that included “Free Palestine” slogans and self-identification as Muslim. Investigators are currently reviewing his online activity, communication records, and known associations to determine whether ideology or personal motives played a role in this act of violence.
The deceased victims have been identified as Beverly “Gumm” Gum, 72, and Christina Combs, 32—both members of the Richmond Road Baptist Church congregation. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the faith-based community and beyond, leaving family, friends, and churchgoers grieving an unimaginable loss.
A Timeline of the Tragedy
According to the Lexington Police Department and the Kentucky State Police, the violence began earlier on the morning of the incident at Blue Grass Airport, where Guy E. House allegedly shot and injured a Kentucky State Trooper during a confrontation in the parking area. The trooper, despite being wounded, managed to relay critical information that enabled authorities to track House as he fled the airport grounds.
He was followed by multiple law enforcement units and ultimately arrived at Richmond Road Baptist Church, where a gathering was taking place. Upon entering the church, House opened fire with what witnesses described as a semi-automatic firearm. Within moments, Beverly Gum and Christina Combs were fatally struck. Two additional men, both believed to be members of the congregation or staff, were wounded in the shooting. House was later pronounced dead at the scene—officials believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during the ensuing chaos.
The swift and courageous response from first responders and officers on the scene likely prevented further bloodshed. Local law enforcement commended the trooper who had initially pursued House, calling his actions “heroic and selfless.”
Remembering the Victims
Beverly “Gumm” Gum, 72, was a beloved elder in the church—a gentle, nurturing presence who had spent much of her life in service to others. Known for her homemade pies, welcoming hugs, and unwavering faith, she was described by friends as “the heart of the church.”
Christina Combs, 32, was a bright and passionate woman deeply involved in youth ministry and church outreach programs. With a future that many said “shined like the morning sun,” Christina was planning to get married next year and had recently begun graduate studies in counseling. Her compassion and energy made her a role model to many young women in the congregation.
Both women represented the very best of what Richmond Road Baptist Church stood for—love, faith, and selfless giving. Their tragic deaths have devastated their families and left a deep void in the church community.
A Complex Investigation Underway
While initial reports labeled the incident as a mass shooting, the investigation has now shifted toward uncovering the motive behind Guy E. House’s actions. Police confirm that House had prior ties to the church, though it remains unclear whether he was a current member, former attendee, or simply had social or ideological connections to people within the congregation.
In a press briefing, law enforcement officials stated that House’s social media and online footprint contained references to Middle Eastern conflicts, support for the “Free Palestine” movement, and religious identification as Muslim. Authorities have not labeled the incident as an act of terrorism, but they are exploring all possible angles, including personal grievance, political expression, and mental health concerns.
Federal agencies, including the FBI, have been brought in to assist in reviewing any ideological or international affiliations that may have influenced House’s state of mind.
Community Shock and Outpouring of Support
The Lexington community, reeling from this unexpected violence, has responded with vigils, prayer gatherings, and fundraisers for the victims’ families. Faith leaders from across religious lines have come together to denounce violence in sacred spaces and offer mutual support in a time of widespread grief.
“Our doors are open to all,” said Pastor James Holloway of Richmond Road Baptist Church. “But our hearts are broken. Beverly and Christina were cherished by this congregation, and their loss is something we may never fully understand or overcome. We pray for their families, for the injured, for our trooper who stood bravely in harm’s way, and yes, even for the troubled soul who brought this destruction upon us.”
Mental health professionals are now working with church members and community residents affected by the shooting, particularly children who witnessed the events firsthand or who were close to the victims.
A City Mourns, A Nation Reflects
As Lexington mourns, this tragedy echoes a broader national conversation about gun violence, mental health, ideological extremism, and safety in places of worship. Regardless of the motive, the heartbreak is the same: innocent lives were lost, and a community was forever changed.
As the investigation continues, so too does the healing—and with it, a call for peace, understanding, and protection for the vulnerable spaces we hold most sacred.
In memory of Beverly Gumm and Christina Combs—two souls taken far too soon, whose lives will be remembered in love, in faith, and in the undying strength of a community determined to never forget.
🕊️ May they rest in eternal peace. May their families find comfort. And may Lexington never again have to endure such loss. 🕊️