USA: Epidemic of gun violence and mass murder
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According to a local report, Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines was arrested in connection with a shooting outside the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg.
The Mountain Eagle, a local newspaper in Whitesburg, reported that Stines allegedly shot District Judge Kevin Mullins in his office on Thursday afternoon before turning himself in.
Governor Andy Beshear confirmed on social media that a district judge in Letcher County was killed in a shooting.
“Sadly, I was informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his office this afternoon. There is far too much violence in this world and I pray there is a path to a better future,” Beshear wrote.
Attorney General Russell Coleman said his office would work with Jackie Steele, the United States Attorney for the 27th Judicial District, on the investigation.
“We will fully investigate this case and seek justice,” Coleman wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Kentucky State Auditor Allison Ball posted on social media confirming that Mullins was the victim of the shooting and offering her condolences to the public.
“Praying for Letcher County and District Judge Kevin Mullins who was shot today. May God protect this community and all those involved in the shooting,” Ball wrote.
According to a report from WKYT-TV, the Letcher County coroner’s office has confirmed that one person died in the shooting, but has not confirmed that person is Mullins. A spokesperson for Kentucky State Police Post 13 also confirmed that one person was arrested, but did not confirm who he is. Police are reportedly on the scene and the investigation is ongoing.
Kentucky Court Justice officials confirmed the incident in a statement posted on social media, but added that no further details could be released.
“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, including the Kentucky State Police, and offer our full support during this difficult time. While the investigation is ongoing, we are committed to assisting in any way we can,” the statement said.
“Our deepest condolences go out to all those affected by this tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this difficult time.”
In response to the incident, Letcher County Central High School in Whitesburg was placed on lockdown and students have since been sent home, school officials said on social media.
“Following a call from Kentucky State Police, we have been placed under a mandatory curfew due to a shooting downtown. Your children are safe. The shooter has been arrested,” the school said in a social media post.
Whitesburg is a city in Letcher County and the county seat in southeastern Kentucky. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the county has a population of 21,548.
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This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
