An active shooter incident unfolded on Saturday, September 7, 2024, near Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Kentucky, resulting in multiple casualties. The shooting began around 6:00 PM local time, approximately nine miles north of London, Kentucky, when reports came in of multiple vehicles being fired upon from a wooded area adjacent to the highway.According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, ‘numerous persons’ have been shot. While the exact number of victims remains undisclosed, local media reports suggest at least seven people were injured, with some in critical condition. The bullets reportedly shattered windshields of passing vehicles.The suspect remains at large, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay indoors. Kentucky State Police Trooper Scottie Pennington emphasized, ‘The suspect has not been caught at this time. We are urging people to stay inside!’ In response to the ongoing threat, law enforcement has shut down Interstate 75 in both directions at Exit 49, as well as U.S. Route 25. As of 7:30 PM, authorities began slowly turning traffic around in the opposite direction to clear the area.Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear acknowledged the situation on social media, stating, ‘Kentucky, we are aware of a shooting on I-75 in Laurel County. Law enforcement has shut the interstate down in both directions at exit 49. Please avoid the area.’ The Governor added, ‘Please pray for everyone involved.’ London Mayor Randall Weddle also issued a warning, urging citizens to ‘Avoid Interstate-75 around exit 49 until further notice! Use alternative routes, do not linger in the area.’ The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting local authorities with what they’re calling a ‘critical incident’. As the situation continues to unfold, officials stress that the exact circumstances remain unclear, and they are urging the public to remain calm and follow instructions from authorities.
Key points
- An active shooter incident near Interstate 75 in Kentucky has resulted in multiple casualties.
- The suspect, firing from a wooded area, remains at large, prompting a massive law enforcement response.
- Interstate 75 has been shut down, and residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid the area.
- Governor Andy Beshear and local officials are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating the response.
Contradictionsđź‘ľWhile most sources report ‘numerous’ or ‘multiple’ casualties, one source specifically mentions ‘at least seven people were injured’.
This discrepancy in the number of victims highlights the evolving nature of the situation and the potential for conflicting initial reports.
