Tragic Church Shooting Claims Two Lives Following Police Pursuit in Kentucky
In a heart-wrenching incident that has shaken the small community of Midway, Kentucky, a violent confrontation between law enforcement and a suspect ended in tragedy Sunday morning when a shooting erupted inside a local church, leaving two people dead — including the suspect — and several others traumatized. The violent episode unfolded just moments after a high-speed police pursuit that ended near the quiet grounds of Grace Life Baptist Church, just as worshippers were gathering for the 10:30 AM service.
Authorities have identified the deceased suspect as Jared Monroe, a 32-year-old man with a criminal history that includes prior arrests for drug possession and weapons violations. The second fatality was Pastor Samuel “Sam” Wiggins, a beloved 62-year-old leader of the congregation who had served the church for over 25 years. A third person, an unnamed church deacon in his late 50s, remains hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The shooting has ignited widespread sorrow and renewed calls for better mental health resources, tighter security in public places of worship, and a deeper examination of law enforcement’s engagement protocols.
What Happened: A Timeline of Events
According to the Kentucky State Police (KSP), the incident began shortly before 10:00 AM when officers in nearby Frankfort attempted to pull over a silver Ford F-150 matching the description of a vehicle linked to a domestic violence report earlier that morning. The suspect, later confirmed to be Monroe, fled the scene, leading troopers on a 15-mile high-speed chase through rural backroads.
Monroe’s truck veered off the main road near Midway and skidded to a stop near Grace Life Baptist Church, where Sunday worshipers were just beginning to arrive. Witnesses say Monroe exited the vehicle erratically, appearing frantic and disoriented, and ran toward the church. At least two troopers gave chase on foot but hesitated to enter the building after hearing what they described as “shouting and panic from inside.”
Inside, Monroe reportedly burst through the side door during a prayer session, holding a 9mm handgun. According to multiple eyewitnesses, he demanded to speak with “the man in charge” and accused members of the church of hiding someone from him. Pastor Wiggins, who was preparing to begin the sermon, attempted to de-escalate the situation by approaching the gunman calmly and asking the congregation to remain seated and pray silently.
Seconds later, multiple gunshots rang out.
By the time police entered the sanctuary moments later, Monroe and Pastor Wiggins lay on the ground. Both had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. The deacon, who had reportedly tried to assist the pastor, was shot in the arm and chest but managed to survive thanks to quick medical intervention.
A Town in Mourning
The town of Midway, home to fewer than 2,000 residents, is known for its tranquil charm, historic railroad tracks, and close-knit community. On Sunday afternoon, that peace was shattered.
Hundreds of residents gathered outside the church, some praying, others in stunned silence, as crime scene tape cordoned off the area and investigators combed through the scene.
“I just can’t believe it happened here,” said 67-year-old local Mary Trotter, who has been attending Grace Life for over three decades. “Pastor Sam was the kindest soul you’d ever meet. He would’ve given that man help, a home, anything — he didn’t deserve this.”
Midway Mayor Haley Morgan gave a brief statement Sunday evening, calling it “one of the darkest days in our town’s history.” She confirmed grief counselors would be made available at local schools and churches, and the town planned a candlelight vigil on the courthouse lawn.
Who Was Jared Monroe?
Little is yet known about what motivated Monroe’s actions that morning. What is clear, however, is that he had a troubled past.
According to law enforcement sources, Monroe had a documented history of mental illness and had been in and out of treatment programs over the past decade. He had also been arrested twice in the last three years for unlawful possession of firearms and once for a domestic altercation in 2023. His most recent brush with the law came just last month, when he was questioned — but not charged — in connection with a home burglary in Georgetown.
His mother, Sandra Monroe, spoke briefly with reporters from her home in Lexington Sunday night.
“Jared wasn’t a monster. He was sick. He needed help. We tried,” she said, sobbing. “I just pray for the pastor’s family and for everyone hurt by this.”
Investigators have yet to confirm whether Monroe had any prior connection to Grace Life Baptist Church.
Remembering Pastor Sam Wiggins
Pastor Wiggins was a pillar of the Midway community. Known for his compassion, humility, and unwavering faith, he had led Grace Life for over 25 years, helping expand the congregation, lead outreach programs, and establish a food pantry that served dozens of families across the county each week.
He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, three adult children, and seven grandchildren.
“He always told us: ‘Faith is most real when tested in the fire,’” said longtime congregant and church trustee Marcus Bell. “Today, we are in the fire. But we will hold onto what he taught us.”
Dozens of local pastors and faith leaders gathered Sunday evening to offer prayers and support. Plans for a memorial service are already underway.
A Rising National Concern
This shooting is the latest in a troubling pattern of violence at places of worship across the United States. According to the Faith-Based Security Network, there were over 100 reported security incidents involving armed individuals at churches and religious gatherings in 2024 alone — a figure that continues to climb.
Experts attribute the rise to a combination of mental health crises, ideological extremism, and the increasing accessibility of firearms.
“Churches are supposed to be sanctuaries,” said Rev. Alan Peters, director of the Kentucky Interfaith Council. “But we can’t ignore the reality that violence can happen anywhere — even in the house of God.”
Many faith institutions have begun implementing their own security teams, installing surveillance, or conducting active shooter training — once unheard of in religious settings. Yet for many smaller churches, especially in rural areas, such measures are either impractical or financially impossible.
Next Steps: Investigation & Healing
The FBI, Kentucky State Police, and the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office are all participating in the ongoing investigation. Authorities have stated they are reviewing Monroe’s criminal history, digital footprint, and mental health records to better understand what led to Sunday’s deadly events.
Meanwhile, Grace Life Baptist Church has suspended all services and programs for the week. The building remains sealed as a crime scene, though members of the congregation gathered in the church’s front yard Monday morning to hold hands and pray.
“This evil act won’t define us,” said Pastor Wiggins’ son, Daniel Wiggins, addressing the group. “My father died doing what he loved — helping people. We will honor him by continuing his mission.”
Conclusion
The Midway church shooting is a tragedy that leaves behind grief, questions, and a scar on the heart of a small Kentucky community. Yet amidst the sorrow, stories of bravery, faith, and community resilience are already emerging.
As the investigation unfolds, and as Midway begins the painful process of healing, one thing is clear: Pastor Wiggins’ legacy of compassion, courage, and calm in the face of chaos will endure long after the last siren fades.
