Multiple people, including a Kentucky State Trooper, were injured in a shooting Sunday afternoon at Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport. The suspect is in custody, and authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack. Airport operations were temporarily suspended amid a heavy law enforcement response.

Several Injured in Shooting at Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport — State Trooper Among Wounded

Lexington, KY — July 13, 2025

A shocking act of violence unfolded Sunday afternoon at Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport when a gunman opened fire inside the terminal, injuring multiple people — including a Kentucky State Trooper — and prompting a massive law enforcement response that temporarily shut down airport operations.

Authorities confirmed that the shooting occurred around 2:45 p.m. in the main concourse of the airport, near the security checkpoint. According to initial reports, at least six individuals were injured in the attack. Among the victims is a state trooper who had been on duty as part of routine airport patrol.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as passengers dove for cover and scrambled to evacuate the terminal. “We heard what sounded like fireworks — three or four loud bangs — and then people started screaming and running,” said Maria Gonzales, a traveler who had just passed through security. “It was absolute chaos.”

Blue Grass Airport, a regional hub that serves central Kentucky, was placed on immediate lockdown following the shooting. Flights were halted and incoming aircraft were diverted to nearby airports, including Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International.

Trooper Critically Injured

The wounded state trooper, whose identity has not yet been released, was transported to the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital in critical condition. Governor Andrea Coleman issued a statement Sunday evening, saying her “prayers are with the trooper, the other victims, and all first responders working to secure the scene and investigate this act of violence.”

“This is a dark day for Kentucky,” the Governor said. “We are grateful for the quick actions of our law enforcement and emergency medical teams. We will not rest until the perpetrator is brought to justice.”

Multiple local and federal agencies — including the FBI, TSA, and ATF — have joined the Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police in investigating the shooting.

Suspect in Custody

Officials confirmed late Sunday that a male suspect was taken into custody without further incident approximately 20 minutes after the initial shots were fired. While authorities have not yet released the name of the individual, police said he was apprehended near the baggage claim area and was armed with a semi-automatic handgun.

“We believe this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to public safety,” said Lexington Police Chief Donna Martinez in a press briefing. “However, we are still in the early stages of our investigation, and we are working diligently to piece together the events that led to this tragedy.”

Chief Martinez noted that authorities are exploring the possibility that the attack may have been targeted, though a motive has not been confirmed. The suspect is currently being held at the Fayette County Detention Center and is expected to face multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and assault of a law enforcement officer.

Airport Operations Suspended

Blue Grass Airport remained closed for several hours following the shooting, with the FAA issuing a ground stop for all departing and arriving flights. As of 8:00 p.m., limited operations had resumed, though many flights were delayed or canceled. Travelers are urged to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.

“We are devastated by today’s events and are working closely with authorities to support the investigation,” the airport’s executive director, James Holloway, said in a statement. “The safety of our passengers, employees, and law enforcement partners remains our highest priority.”

Additional security measures were visibly increased throughout the airport, including enhanced screening protocols and an increased police presence.

Community Reacts

News of the shooting sent shockwaves through the Lexington community, where violent incidents at public transportation hubs are rare. Vigils are already being planned by local civic groups and churches for the victims, especially the injured trooper, who is said to have served with the force for over a decade.

“This airport is small, and many of us feel like we know the people who work here,” said resident and former airport employee Dana Reynolds. “It’s heartbreaking. It’s scary. But we will come together and support one another — that’s who we are.”

The investigation is expected to continue through the night, and officials plan to provide another update Monday morning.