Suspect Arrested in Killing of Kentucky State Trooper
Trooper Hayden Phillips was shot and killed while patrolling northbound I-65 in Warren County, Kentucky, on Monday. A suspect was taken into custody in Louisville after a manhunt.
- Phillips was assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green; he graduated from Cadet Class 103.
- Authorities identified a bluish-gray 2025 Honda Civic with a temporary tag as the suspect vehicle.
- The shooting occurred near the 38-mile marker on I-65, officials said.
- Kentucky Emergency Management urged the public not to approach the suspect and to call 911.
Why it matters: Phillips' death represents what Kentucky State Police Col. Phillip Burnett Jr. called one of the most difficult moments an agency can endure.
- Gov. Andy Beshear called Phillips a hero who dedicated himself to protecting the commonwealth.
How 5 sources split on this story
Left coverage, 2 sources: The left focused on the active manhunt, official statements of loss, and public safety alerts, keeping the account close to law enforcement releases.
Right coverage, 2 sources: The right framed the event as a traffic-stop killing requiring a statewide manhunt, emphasizing a physical description of the suspect and including statements from Republican Rep. James Comer.
The Gateway Pundit3hKentucky State Trooper Fatally Shot During Traffic Stop – Armed and Dangerous Suspect Taken Into Custody Following Statewide Manhunt * The Gateway Pundit * by Cristina Laila
The Washington Times3hKentucky authorities apprehend suspect in fatal shooting of state trooper along highwayWhat’s next: State police planned a news conference Monday night in Bowling Green.
- The suspect's identity had not been publicly released as of Monday evening.
- What led to the shooting — whether it involved a traffic stop or another encounter — has not been officially confirmed.
- Charges against the suspect had not been announced as of the time of reporting.