LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A deadly shooting outside a Kentucky driver’s license office left three people dead and witnesses reeling from the chaos. The victims, identified by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, included 18-year-old Leslye M. Harbin Jr., who died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds, and two women—33-year-old Antwanette Chillers and 29-year-old Raysa Pacios Valdes—who succumbed to their injuries at a hospital.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the victims knew each other or the attackers. Witnesses described the horrifying scene that unfolded near the crowded office, where people had lined up outside. Jalen Eddings told WHAS-TV that he had returned to his car to wait out the long line when he saw two masked men shoot Harbin multiple times, including after he fell to the ground. The assailants fled the scene, and Eddings did not see them target the women.
“It felt like something out of a movie—I couldn’t believe it,” Eddings said.
Responding officers from the Louisville Metro Police Department found Harbin dead and the two women critically wounded. Police Maj. Donald Boeckman stated that the shooters fled in a vehicle, though investigators have yet to identify it. Surveillance footage is under review, and the police department has not provided further updates.
“It’s absolutely a tragedy, and I’m surprised there weren’t more people injured,” Boeckman said.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear condemned the violence on social media, calling the attack “senseless.” Meanwhile, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which oversees the license office, praised the quick actions of its security team, who swiftly locked down the building to protect employees and visitors.
Witness Ali Raza, who was inside the office during the shooting, recalled hearing gunshots and screams.
“The security guard told us to get down—he saved us, basically,” Raza said.
As the investigation continues, the search for the masked gunmen remains ongoing, leaving the Louisville community grappling with the shock and sorrow of the sudden tragedy.