Officials with the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department in Kentucky confirmed Monday that five people died following “reports of an active aggressor” near a bank.
Louisville Deputy Chief Paul Humphrey told reporters that four died and eight were injured, including one officer, with various injuries. Officials later said that five people died.
“We believe this is a lone gunman involved in this that did have a connection to the bank. We’re trying to establish what that connection was to the business, but it appears he was a previous employee,” Humphrey said.
Nine people, including two police officers, were treated for injuries from the shooting, University of Louisville Hospital spokeswoman Heather Fountaine said in an email. One of the officers was in critical condition, she said. At least three patients had been discharged.
“This is a tragic event,” Humphrey said. “But it was it was the heroic response of officers that made sure that no more people were more seriously injured than what happened.”
The FBI’s Louisville office wrote on Twitter that “special agents have responded to the scene of this morning’s shooting in downtown Louisville and are assisting our law enforcement partners.” Other officials called on residents to stay away from the downtown area.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg also stated there was an “active police situation downtown,” telling the public to “please avoid the area around Slugger Field until further notice.”
A witness told WHAS-TV that a male suspect with a rifle started opening fire on the first floor of the building.
“He just started firing,” the witness told the outlet. “I didn’t see his face. We were in the conference room. Whoever was next to me got shot, their blood’s on me.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, wrote on Twitter that he was heading to the scene. “Please pray for all of the families impacted and for the city of Louisville,” Beshear wrote.
Video footage shows a massive police presence around the downtown area, while agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) also were seen responding.
Louisville, located near Kentucky’s border with Indiana, has a population of approximately 630,000 people. The block of the shooting area is located near the minor league stadium, Louisville Slugger Field.
Kentucky’s two senators, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), responded to the shooting.
“Elaine and I are devastated by the news coming out of Louisville this morning. 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,” McConnell wrote Monday.
Paul also offered his condolences. “Kelley and I are praying for everyone involved in the deadly shooting in downtown Louisville this morning. Our hearts break for the families of those lost,” he said.
