Mass shooting in Louisville kills 5, including 2 governor’s ‘close’ friends

At least four people and the gunman were killed in a mass shooting Monday in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, including two friends of Gov. Andy Beshear (D). And at least nine others are wounded Associated Press.

“I have a very close friend who didn’t make it today and I have another close friend who didn’t make it either. And one who’s in the hospital, which I hope will pull through,” Beshear told media Monday about the shooting at the Old National Bank in downtown Louisville.

The shooter was confirmed dead at the bank where they opened fire. He’s been since then recognized as 23-year-old employee, Connor Sturgeonwho reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts before the incident.

The shooting comes a day after a shooting in Orlando, Fla. that killed four people and a shooting in Atlanta that injured three, the authorities said Archive gun violence. Just last week, Republicans from Tennessee reported two state legislatures who joined student gun control protests after a mass shooting at a Nashville elementary school that killed six. And in a depressing parallel between that shooting and that one Monday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee (R)’s wife also lost.”one of her best friends‘ in the massacre. “Maria woke up this morning without one of her best friends, Cindy Peak. Cindy was supposed to be stopping by for dinner with Maria last night after joining Covenant yesterday as a substitute teacher,” Bill Lee said in a video message to his constituents after the shooting. Of course, even the loss of a close friend did not inspire him to call for action on guns.

Though Beshear is a Democrat, he faces a Republican-controlled legislature if he hopes to push some sort of gun control legislation in Kentucky. His initial remarks avoided any discussion of it. “When we talk about praying, I hope people do it for those who we hope will make it through the surgeries they’re going through,” he said. “Then, after everything, we have to do what we have been doing for the last three years. We must put our arms around these families. And for anyone who needs it, don’t be afraid to get help. That’s awful.”

Jim Ryan, CEO of the old National Bank, said executives would go to Louisville. “The safety of Old National Bank employees and everyone we serve in our banking centers is of paramount importance,” he said. “While we await further details, we are deploying staff support and keeping in our thoughts and prayers everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Continuously updated with additional information