A police officer and a second victim are in critical condition at a hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, after a shooting at Old National Bank in the city’s downtown the morning of April 10.
Five people were killed, including the shooting suspect, Deputy Police Chief Paul Humphrey said at a second press conference on the incident.
Humphrey said eight more individuals were injured, including two police officers. Of those eight, two people were in critical condition and undergoing surgery, including one of the officers, he added.
He explained the suspected assailant “appears to be a former employee of the bank,” but in responding to a press question later in the conference, Humphrey said police were unsure if he was a former or current employee.
The deputy chief said the police response likely saved many lives.
“Within three minutes of being dispatched, officers arrived on scene and encountered the suspect almost immediately, still firing gunshots,” he said. “Officers exchanged gunshots with the suspect and ultimately that suspect did die at the scene.”
He explained authorities were working to confirm if he died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound or by police fire.
Gov. Says He ‘Lost 2 Close Friends’
Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear spoke at the press conference, also heralding the officers responding to the scene so quickly.“We have at least one officer in surgery right now that is there because he took those actions to try to protect the people of Louisville,” Beshear said.
In emotional comments, Beshear said he had two close friends who were killed in the shooting. On the verge of tears, he said he had another friend at the hospital that he hopes “is going to make it through.”
“So when we talk about praying, I hope people will,” he said. “For those that we are hoping can make it through the surgeries that they are going through. Then we’ve got to do what we’ve done these last three years after everything—we’ve got to wrap our arms around these families. And to everybody who needs it, don’t be afraid to get some help. Our bodies and our minds are not meant to go through these types of tragedies.”
Other Leaders Respond
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) posted on Twitter about the events in his home state.“Elaine and I are devastated by the news coming out of Louisville this morning,” he said. “Thank you to LMPD and our first responders for your bravery at the scene. We send our prayers to the victims, their families, and the city of Louisville as we await more information.”
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg asked everyone to pray for those injured and fighting for their lives at the hospital, while thanking police for their quick response time as well.
“I want everyone in this city to know, that notwithstanding tragedies like today, when multiple people are killed by gun violence or individuals are killed with gun violence, our community will continue to come together,“ he said. ”We will find ways to love and support one another and the families and friends who have been directly impacted by these acts of gun violence.”
