2 Dead, 2 Wounded in Shooting at Kentucky Homeless Shelter

2 Dead, 2 Wounded in Shooting at Kentucky Homeless Shelter
Henderson law enforcement work the scene of a shooting at the Harbor House Christian Center in Henderson, Ky., on Aug. 25, 2022. Denny Simmons /The Gleaner via AP
The Associated Press
Updated:
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HENDERSON, Ky.—Two people were killed and two were wounded in a shooting at a homeless shelter for men in western Kentucky, and a suspect has been arrested, authorities said.

Officers responded Thursday evening to a report of an active shooter at the Harbor House Christian Center, the Henderson Police Department said in a statement on social media.

The shooting occurred around 7:40 p.m. when about 15 people were inside the facility, Henderson City Commissioner Robert Pruitt told The Courier & Press in Evansville, Indiana.

Police identified the suspect as Kenneth B. Gibbs of Henderson and said he was found and taken into custody shortly before 10 p.m.

Kenneth B. Gibbs. (Henderson, Ky., Detention center via AP)
Kenneth B. Gibbs. Henderson, Ky., Detention center via AP

Henderson Police Chief Sean McKinney told the newspaper Gibbs was identified as the shooter by witnesses at the shelter and was armed when he was found.

Gibbs has been charged with two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, Henderson Police Lt. Stuart O'Nan said Friday. He said the wounded men were in stable condition.

Gibbs was being held at the Henderson County jail. Online records don’t indicate whether he has an attorney.

O'Nan said both Gibbs and the victims were residents of the shelter. He did not release a motive in the shooting.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Henderson this morning after a senseless act of violence,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear wrote on Twitter Friday morning. “Britainy and I pray those injured recover quickly and we give thanks to our brave first responders. Henderson, we stand with you.”

Police had said earlier that four people were injured but later lowered that number to two.

Residents and faculty of the Harbor House Christian Center in Henderson, Ky., gather in prayer after a lone gunman opened fire after an evening prayer service on Aug. 25, 2022. (Denny Simmons /The Gleaner via AP)
Residents and faculty of the Harbor House Christian Center in Henderson, Ky., gather in prayer after a lone gunman opened fire after an evening prayer service on Aug. 25, 2022. Denny Simmons /The Gleaner via AP