Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines arrested after allegedly shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins in his office

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Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines arrested after allegedly shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins in his office



Whitesburg, Kentucky – The peaceful town of Whitesburg was shattered by chaos on Tuesday when Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines was arrested following a shooting at the Letcher County Courthouse. The alleged incident, which left the community stunned, involved the shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins within his office, located just off the Letcher District Courtroom.


The shooting reportedly occurred late in the afternoon, prompting an immediate lockdown of Whitesburg and creating widespread panic throughout the area. Residents were urged to shelter in place as law enforcement scrambled to contain the situation. Local authorities issued advisories, urging people in the downtown area to lock their doors and remain indoors until further notice. This terrifying moment unfolded just blocks away from schools and businesses, causing heightened concern for public safety.


Local news sources, including *The Mountain Eagle* and *Appalshop*, quickly confirmed the shooting, with both outlets reporting that an active shooter situation had been declared at the courthouse. While the nature of the altercation leading up to the shooting remains unclear, initial reports suggest that Judge Mullins sustained gunshot wounds, though his current condition has not been publicly disclosed.



In a precautionary move, Letcher County Schools were immediately placed on lockdown. School administrators assured parents and students that the situation did not directly endanger the schools, but the lockdown remained in effect until authorities deemed it safe to lift. Parents anxiously awaited news as the day wore on, with many expressing gratitude for the quick action of school officials and law enforcement in safeguarding the students. 


Reports from the scene described courthouse employees as visibly shaken, some of whom gathered outside the building after being evacuated. The somber mood was evident as courthouse staff and local citizens struggled to comprehend how such a violent incident could occur in their typically quiet community.


Sheriff Stines was taken into custody shortly after the shooting, though the details surrounding his arrest and his possible motive remain under investigation. There has been no official statement from the sheriff’s office or any other local authorities, and it is unclear whether additional charges will be filed as the investigation continues. Stines, a figure of authority within the community, has served as sheriff for several years, making this development all the more shocking for the town of Whitesburg.



Law enforcement agencies, including the Kentucky State Police, quickly responded to the scene, ensuring the courthouse and surrounding areas were secure. A heavy police presence remained in place well into the evening as officers worked to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Media outlets reported seeing multiple officers moving through the courthouse, focusing their attention on the area surrounding Judge Mullins' office.


As of now, the specific circumstances that led to the shooting remain unclear. Rumors and speculation have swirled in the community, but authorities have not yet provided any concrete details about what may have prompted such a violent act in a government building. Law enforcement officials have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to await the official results of the investigation.


A local reporter is en route to Whitesburg to gather further details, and law enforcement officials have promised to release more information as it becomes available. The small community remains on edge, as residents wait for clarity about what transpired in the courthouse and why a public figure like Sheriff Stines would be involved in such a disturbing incident.


This shocking development comes at a time when tensions are already high in many communities across the United States regarding gun violence and public safety. The Whitesburg shooting has once again raised questions about security measures in public buildings and the potential risks faced by those who work in or visit government institutions.


While the immediate danger seems to have passed, the incident has left an indelible mark on Whitesburg, a town unaccustomed to such violence. Residents, courthouse employees, and law enforcement officials alike are grappling with the aftermath, as they await further details and try to understand how such a tragedy could occur in their hometown. For now, the community's focus remains on the recovery of Judge Mullins and the pursuit of justice in this unprecedented case.

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