Lexington to host vigil for victims of church shooting. ‘Strongest together’
Lexington residents are invited to a vigil to remember victims of a recent church mass shooting, including a mother and daughter who were killed.
The vigil will be 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza at the corner of Main and North Limestone streets, city officials said Friday.
“Lexington has had a difficult few days,” Mayor Linda Gorton said in a news release announcing the vigil. “Our community is at its strongest when we are together, and that’s more important than ever right now.”
Along with Gorton, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers, Fayette County Sheriff Kathy Witt and other religious and community leaders are scheduled to attend.
Guy House, 47, was killed by Lexington police July 13 after going on a rampage that started at the Blue Grass Airport, according to police. Kentucky State Police officer Jude Remilien pulled House over on Terminal Drive and was shot by House. The officer was taken to the hospital and is recovering from his injuries, state police have said.
House then hijacked a vehicle and went to Richmond Road Baptist Church, where he shot and killed Beverly Gumm, 72, and her daughter Christina Combs, 34, according to family members.
House then shot and injured Jerry Gumm, the longtime pastor of the Richmond Road Baptist Church and Beverly Gumm’s husband. Also shot and injured was Combs’ husband, Randy Combs. The two were taken to the hospital and are recovering from their injuries, family members have said.
House was at the church looking for one of Beverly Gumm’s daughters with whom he had a previous relationship, family members have said. The daughter was not there when House came to the small church in a rural area of Fayette County, and he opened fire instead.
