A sheriff in a rural area of ​​the state of Kentucky shot and killed a judge, with no motive yet known.

According to the BBC, District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, died after being shot multiple times at the Letcher County Courthouse.

Acting Letcher County Sheriff Sean Stines, 43, Thursday afternoon the two men had a heated argument

The shooting occurred Thursday after an argument inside the courthouse, police said, but have not yet released a motive.
Sheriff Staines was arrested at the scene without incident, Kentucky State Police said. They did not disclose the nature of the argument before the shooting.

According to the local Mountain Eagle newspaper, Sheriff Staines entered the judge’s outer office and told court officials that he needed to speak with Mullins alone.

The two entered the judge’s chambers, closing the door behind them. Those outside heard gunshots, the newspaper said.

Sheriff Staines reportedly walked out with his hands up and surrendered to the police. He was handcuffed in the courthouse foyer.

State Attorney General Russell Coleman said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that his office “will fully investigate and pursue justice.”

Kentucky State Police spokesman Matt Gayhart said at a news conference that the city was shocked by the incident.
“This community is small in nature and we are all overwhelmed,” he said.
Mr. Gayheart said 50 employees were inside the courthouse when the shooting occurred.
No one else was injured. A school in the area was briefly placed on lockdown.
Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B VanMeter said he was “shocked by this act of violence.”
Announcing Judge Mullins’ death on social media, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said: “There is too much violence in this world and I pray there is a way to a better tomorrow.”