In the latest mass shooting in America, 5 people were left dead and 8 injured when a shooter opened fire at a bank in Louisville, Kentucky, reports the Associated Press. The shooting marks the 15th mass killing in the country so far this year.
Deputy Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department stated at a news conference that it was unknown if the officers on the scene or if it was the assailant that shot himself dead.
“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.
When the authorities arrived at the Old National Bank, shots were still being fired.
A source close to the situation noted that the unidentified gunman had suffered from severe mental illness.
According to an email from Heather Fountaine, a spokesperson for the University of Louisville Hospital, 9 people were treated for injuries including two police officers from the shooting. The patients were discharged and one of the officers was in critical condition.
Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky shared that said he lost friends in Monday's shooting.
“This is awful,” he said. “I have a very close friend who didn’t make it today. And I have another close friend who didn’t, either. And one who’s at the hospital that I hope is going to make it through.”
Mayor Craig Greenberg thanked law enforcement and first responders for their courageous acts.
"We come together as a community to work to prevent these horrific acts of gun violence from continuing here and around the state," Greenberg said. "We are a safer community, we are a stronger community thanks to the work of our law enforcement."
"The safety of Old National Bank employees and everyone we serve in our banking center locations is paramount," Old National Bank CEO Jim Ryan said in a statement.
He added that he was "keeping everyone affected by this tragedy in our thoughts and prayers."
In an official statement, President Joe Biden shared that he and first lady Jill Biden were praying for the victims. He also criticized the GOP for not enacting gun control legislation.
"Once again, our nation mourns after a senseless act of gun violence. ... Too many Americans are paying for the price of inaction with their lives," Biden said. "When will Republicans in Congress act to protect our communities?"
The Louisville shooting happened just two weeks after six people were killed in a Nashville school shooting that took place today at a private Christian school in Tennessee.
To date, over 200 people have been killed in mass shootings in 2023.
