Authorities responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 10:30 AM. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement found Judge Mullins with a gunshot wound. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where his condition is currently unknown. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as court employees and bystanders evacuated the courthouse, visibly shaken by the sudden violence.
Following the shooting, the Letcher County Sheriff’s Office declared an active shooter situation, prompting immediate safety measures throughout the area. Residents in Whitesburg were advised to shelter in place, locking their doors and staying indoors as law enforcement searched for any potential threats. Nearby Letcher County Schools were also placed on lockdown as a precaution, ensuring the safety of students and staff during the unfolding crisis.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing several shots fired before the courthouse went into lockdown. “It was terrifying,” said one employee who wished to remain anonymous. “We were all just doing our jobs, and then chaos erupted. I never thought I would experience something like this here.”
As the situation unfolded, law enforcement secured the courthouse and began evacuating employees and the public. The local police department, state troopers, and federal agents were called in to assist, and they worked to contain the situation and gather evidence.
Sheriff Stines was taken into custody shortly after the incident, and officials have confirmed that he is being charged with attempted murder and other related offenses. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. The motive for the alleged attack has not yet been disclosed.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Letcher County Judge Executive Terry H. Hays expressed his shock and concern. “This is an unprecedented event for our community,” Hays said in a statement. “We have always felt safe in our courthouse, and this incident has shaken us to our core. Our thoughts are with Judge Mullins and his family during this difficult time.”
The courthouse, which serves as the center of judicial proceedings in Letcher County, is now under heightened security as investigators comb through evidence and interview witnesses. Law enforcement officials have reassured the public that they are taking all necessary steps to ensure safety in the area.
In light of the shooting, a community meeting has been scheduled for next week, where residents will have the opportunity to voice their concerns and discuss measures to enhance safety in public spaces. Local leaders are emphasizing the importance of coming together to support one another in the wake of this tragic event.
As the investigation continues, the Letcher County community remains on edge, grappling with the implications of such violence in a place typically associated with justice and safety. Updates regarding Judge Mullins’ condition and further developments in the investigation are anticipated in the coming days.
The courthouse shooting has sparked discussions about the broader issue of gun violence and safety in public institutions. Community members are calling for increased security measures, including better screening processes at courthouse entrances and more training for law enforcement on how to handle potential threats.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and its far-reaching effects on communities. As more information becomes available, the hope remains that Judge Mullins will recover and that measures will be implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the Letcher County community rallies together, support systems are being established for those affected by the shooting, including counseling services for courthouse employees and community members who may be struggling with the emotional fallout from the event. The healing process will take time, but the community is determined to come back stronger.
The situation remains fluid, and local authorities encourage anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Together, the residents of Letcher County aim to restore a sense of safety and security in their beloved community.
