Kentucky district judge killed in courthouse shooting, governor says

A Kentucky district judge was killed in a courthouse shooting Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said.

“Sadly, I have been informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his chambers this afternoon,” Beshear said in a post on the social media site X. “There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow.” 

The Letcher County coroner confirmed to The Hill on Thursday that a person passed away from a gunshot wound at around 2 p.m. local time. The shooting took place at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Ky., a city about 150 miles southeast of Lexington.

State Attorney General Russell Coleman said on X that his office “will collaborate with Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit Jackie Steele as special prosecutors in this case.” 

“We will fully investigate and pursue justice,” he added. 

Kentucky court officials said in a statement on social media that “The Kentucky Court of Justice is aware of a tragic incident that occurred today in Letcher County.” 

“We are currently in contact with law enforcement agencies, including Kentucky State Police, and are offering our full support during this difficult time,” they wrote. “Our deepest sympathies go out to all those impacted by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this challenging time.” 

The courthouse shooting comes as police said earlier this week that they’ve found the body of the suspected gunman who committed a highway shooting spree, leaving five people wounded, The New York Times reported.