LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of pandemonium as three individuals were fatally shot outside a Kentucky driver’s license office, with one man being targeted multiple times by unidentified assailants wearing masks. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office released a statement late Friday confirming the identities of the victims, who ranged in age from 18 to 33 years old. Upon responding to the distressing situation around noon on Friday, officers discovered one man deceased at the location and two women who had sustained gunshot wounds, later succumbing to their injuries after being transported to a medical facility, as reported by the Louisville Metro Police Department. The coroner’s report detailed that the young man, Leslye M. Harbin Jr., aged 18, died from multiple gunshot wounds at the scene, while the two women, Antwanette Chillers, 33, and Raysa Pacios Valdes, 29, passed away due to gunshot wounds at the hospital. At present, authorities have not disclosed any information regarding potential connections between the victims or their assailants.
Witnesses recounted the harrowing incident that transpired at the bustling government office, where a lengthy queue had formed outside. Jalen Eddings recounted to WHAS-TV his experience of initially being at the office but retreating to his vehicle to wait out the line when the shooting occurred nearby. According to Eddings, two individuals wearing masks ruthlessly shot the man several times, even as he lay on the ground, before fleeing the scene. He noted that he did not witness the assailants targeting the women. “I was in utter disbelief; it felt like a scene out of a movie,” Eddings expressed.
Following the shooting at a state Driver Licensing Office on the outskirts of Louisville, a substantial law enforcement presence was deployed to the area. Police markers delineating evidence were placed on the ground approximately 20 feet from the building entrance on Friday afternoon. Police Major Donald Boeckman stated that the shooter departed in a vehicle, though a description of the vehicle was not yet available, with investigators currently reviewing surveillance footage. Boeckman remarked, “It is undeniably a tragedy, and it is surprising that more individuals were not harmed.”
Aaron Ellis, a spokesperson for the police department, indicated in an email on Saturday that there were no further updates regarding the pursuit of suspects. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear condemned the shooting as “an inexplicable act of violence” in a statement shared on social media. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, responsible for the license office, affirmed in a press release that the building was promptly secured by security personnel following the shooting, ensuring the safety of its employees. Another witness, Ali Raza, recounted being inside the office when the sound of multiple gunshots and screams pierced the air. Raza commended the swift actions of a security guard who instructed everyone to take cover, potentially aver
