FRANKFORT, Ky. — A routine Tuesday afternoon at Kentucky State University (KSU) turned into tragedy when a gunman opened fire near a student dormitory, killing one student and critically wounding another. The suspect, swiftly arrested, is now facing serious charges.
At approximately 3:10 p.m. local time, the Frankfort Police Department received reports of an “active aggressor” on campus — a call that triggered an immediate law-enforcement response. Officers reached the scene just four minutes later, by 3:14 p.m., where campus security had already detained a suspect.
The shooting occurred near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, a dormitory located on the south side of campus. Two students were struck by gunfire. One of them died from his injuries; the other was rushed to a local hospital and remains in stable but critical condition.
Authorities identified the suspect as 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard, from Evansville, Indiana. Bard is not a student at KSU. He was promptly booked into the Franklin County Regional Jail, on charges of murder and first‑degree assault.
In a somber statement released Tuesday evening, KSU’s president, Koffi C. Akakpo, called the shooting a “senseless tragedy,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss and concern for the injured student. Meanwhile, law enforcement emphasized that this appears to be an isolated incident — and that there is no ongoing threat to campus.
In response to the crisis, the university moved quickly to suspend classes, cancel final exams, and shut down campus activities for the remainder of the week. Counseling and support services have been made available to students, faculty and staff.
As the community reels, messages of grief and solidarity flooded in. State officials and residents urged compassion and unity amid the pain. Many are asking for prayers — for the victim, the injured student, their families, and all who call KSU home.
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