Three Killed in Shooting Outside Kentucky Driver’s License Office/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Three people were shot and killed outside a Kentucky driver’s license office, including an 18-year-old man targeted by masked assailants. Two women, aged 29 and 33, died later at a hospital. Authorities are still searching for suspects as the investigation continues without new leads.
Kentucky DMV Shooting Quick Looks
- Three victims killed: an 18-year-old man and two women aged 29 and 33
- Victims identified as Leslye M. Harbin Jr., Antwanette Chillers, and Raysa Pacios Valdes
- Witnesses described masked assailants targeting the male victim
- Shooting occurred outside a busy licensing office with a full waiting line
- Suspects fled in a vehicle; no description provided
- Kentucky Governor condemns the act as “senseless violence”
- Office security quickly locked down the facility; no employees injured
Three Killed in Shooting Outside Kentucky Driver’s License Office
Deep Look
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A routine day at a Kentucky driver’s license office turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy Friday when three people were shot and killed outside the facility. Witnesses reported panic and confusion as gunfire erupted at the busy state Driver Licensing Office on Louisville’s southern outskirts.
Authorities identified the victims as 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 after being transported to a hospital. Officials have not confirmed any relationship among the victims or their connection to the shooters.
The violence unfolded shortly before noon as customers lined up outside the office. Witness Jalen Eddings recounted that he had returned to his car to avoid the long wait when he heard gunshots. He described seeing two masked men approach Harbin and fire repeatedly, continuing to shoot even after the victim fell. Eddings said he did not witness shots directed at the women.
“It felt like something out of a movie,” he told WHAS-TV.
Inside the building, customers and staff reacted quickly. Witness Ali Raza recalled hearing a sudden barrage of gunfire and people screaming. A security guard swiftly directed everyone to the floor, potentially saving lives by preventing panic-driven injuries.
“He told us to get on the ground. He saved us,” Raza said.
Responding officers found Harbin deceased near the entrance, with evidence markers scattered approximately 20 feet from the door. The area remained cordoned off Friday afternoon as investigators combed the scene for clues. Police Major Donald Boeckman stated that the suspects fled in a vehicle but offered no further details on the car’s make or model. Surveillance footage is being reviewed, but as of Saturday morning, no updates had emerged.
“It’s absolutely a tragedy,” Boeckman said. “And frankly, I’m surprised there weren’t more victims given how crowded the area was.”
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear condemned the shooting as a “senseless act of violence” in a social media post, reflecting widespread community shock over the brazen daylight attack.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which oversees the licensing office, confirmed that no employees were harmed and praised the facility’s swift lockdown response.
“Our priority was the safety of everyone inside,” the department stated, noting that operations will resume once deemed safe.
Aaron Ellis, a Louisville Metro Police spokesperson, said the department had no further developments to share regarding the ongoing manhunt. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.
The shooting marks yet another instance of gun violence rattling public spaces, highlighting the growing need for solutions to prevent such tragedies in everyday settings.
