Police Investigate Fatal Shooting at Lexington’s Charles Young Park
A 4-year-old child, a 14-year-old, and two adults were among five people shot Saturday evening at Charles Young Park in Lexington, Kentucky. One individual was pronounced dead at the scene, according to local authorities.
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers confirmed that officers were alerted to gunfire at the park at 6:48 p.m. on August 15, 2026. While the identities of the victims have not yet been released, the four surviving patients were transported to a local hospital with injuries that officials described as non-life-threatening. UK HealthCare confirmed in an email to staff that the facility received multiple patients following the incident.
The shooting occurred during “East End Day,” a long-standing community event held at the park. Tents and event infrastructure remained on-site as investigators processed the scene late Saturday night. Midland Avenue and several surrounding streets were closed to traffic as police and Kentucky State Police units conducted their initial investigation.
One Lexington Director Devine Carama, who was present at the park when the violence broke out, described the event as a traumatic experience. In a statement posted to social media, Carama noted that he was sheltering four young people when a person standing nearby was struck by gunfire.
“Gunfire at a peaceful event, in broad daylight, with women and children present is unacceptable,” Carama wrote. He further urged the community to allow the official investigation to proceed, stating, “Justice will be served, I promise you.”
Governor Andy Beshear announced the shooting while addressing attendees at a Kentucky Democratic Party dinner held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Lexington, located approximately a mile and a half from the park.
“We have five people that I think received injuries and probably have one deceased,” Beshear said during his remarks. He requested that those in attendance keep the affected families in their thoughts. During the same address, the Governor advocated for legislative action regarding gun violence.
As of late Saturday, authorities have not identified a suspect or established a motive for the shooting. Chief Weathers stated that while the investigation remains in its early stages, he does not believe there is an ongoing threat to the general public.
The Lexington Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them at 859-258-3600. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers at 859-253-2020 or through their official website. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is handling the identification of the deceased.
