Lexington, Kentucky, October 9, 2025
News Summary
In response to a spike in gun violence, including multiple shootings and a tragic death, Lexington, Kentucky’s community is mobilizing efforts to mitigate the crisis. Local organizations, like the Voyage Movement, are launching initiatives aimed at empowering teens and fostering neighborhood pride. Despite some statistics indicating a decrease in non-fatal shootings this year, the city has recorded a concerning number of homicides, underscoring the need for comprehensive support systems to combat the ongoing violence.
Lexington Community Responds to Surge in Gun Violence Following Recent Shootings
Lexington, Kentucky, has experienced a troubling surge in gun violence with multiple shootings reported from September 28 to September 30, resulting in one death of a 19-year-old. These incidents have sparked intense discussions within the community, emphasizing the urgent need for strategies to address this rising violence.
Terry Dumphord, a local mentor and the founder of the Voyage Movement, highlighted the recent shootings as a painful reminder for local teens about the dangers of street violence. His organization is actively working to empower young people and foster leadership skills within the community. The group’s newest initiative, “I Got My Block,” invites teens to participate in cleaning up their neighborhoods during the fall break. This program aims to cultivate a sense of responsibility and community pride among the youth.
Dumphord expressed deep anger regarding the ongoing loss of young lives to gun violence. He noted the pressing need for healing and structured support systems to re-establish a sense of safety and stability in the community. Co-organizer Doyle Lee added that essential factors like trauma care and emotional support must be addressed to break the cycle of violence affecting the youth.
The surge in violence is underscored by a recent shooting incident in the 1200 block of Ascot Park, where a man sustained serious injuries. In this case, a 17-year-old juvenile has been charged with first-degree assault and possession of a handgun by a minor. Data from the Lexington Police Department show that there have been 36 non-fatal shootings reported as of September 20 this year, a decrease from the 52 incidents recorded by the same date last year. However, the number of homicides in Lexington has reached 17 in 2023, with the latest one taking place in September on East Seventh Street.
In a separate and more severe incident, three people, including a gunman, lost their lives due to shootings at Kentucky’s Blue Grass Airport and the Richmond Road Baptist Church. A Kentucky State Police trooper was shot while attempting to pull over the suspect at the airport. The gunman managed to flee the scene but was later confronted at the church, where he opened fire, injuring four individuals. Two women, Beverly Gumm (72) and Christina Combs (32), were pronounced dead; Gumm was identified as the mother of Combs and the spouse of the church’s pastor. Two male victims shot at the church are currently receiving medical treatment, with one person reported in critical condition.
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers has stated that the shooting incidents were not connected to the airport shooting and confirmed that state troopers, the FBI, and the ATF are collaborating in the ongoing investigations. In light of these events, Governor Andy Beshear has called for prayers for those impacted by the gun violence and praised law enforcement for their prompt actions in response to these incidents.
FAQ
What recent incidents have contributed to the surge in gun violence in Lexington?
Multiple shootings were reported in Lexington, Kentucky, from September 28-30, including the death of a 19-year-old.
What initiatives is the Voyage Movement implementing to address community violence?
The group’s latest initiative, “I Got My Block,” encourages teens to clean up their neighborhoods during fall break.
How many non-fatal shootings have occurred in Lexington this year?
As of September 20, Lexington police reported 36 non-fatal shootings this year, compared with 52 by the same date last year.
What is the current homicide count in Lexington for this year?
There have been 17 homicides in Lexington this year, with the most recent occurring in September on East Seventh Street.
What happened during the shootings at Kentucky’s Blue Grass Airport and Richmond Road Baptist Church?
In a separate incident, three people, including a gunman, died in shootings at Kentucky’s Blue Grass Airport and Richmond Road Baptist Church.
Key Features of Gun Violence in Lexington
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Recent Shootings | Multiple incidents within September 28-30, including a 19-year-old’s death. |
| Voyage Movement Initiatives | “I Got My Block” encourages neighborhood clean-ups. |
| Non-Fatal Shootings | 36 reported as of September 20, 2023. |
| Homicide Count | 17 homicides reported in 2023. |
| Separate Incidents | Three fatalities at Blue Grass Airport and Richmond Road Baptist Church. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Spectrum News 1
- Kentucky.com
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Google Search: Kentucky Gun Violence
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