FRANKFORT, Ky. — One student is dead and another remains hospitalized after a shooting Tuesday afternoon on the campus of Kentucky State University (KSU). Authorities have identified the student killed as 19-year-old Dejon Fox.
According to the Frankfort Police Department, officers responded at approximately 3:10 p.m. to reports of an active aggressor on campus.
Police arrived within four minutes, securing the scene and detaining a suspect shortly thereafter.
Kentucky State University confirmed that two students were shot during the incident.
One of the students, identified as Fox, died from his injuries.
The second student is listed in stable but critical condition and is receiving ongoing medical treatment.
A university official stated the shooting occurred in the south campus area, near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall. Police have confirmed that the suspect, 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana, is not a KSU student.
Kentucky State University Shooting Suspect Identified as 48-Year-Old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana Frankfort active aggressor. Bard has been charged with murder and first-degree assault and was taken into custody without further incident.
He is currently booked in the Franklin County Regional Jail.
A significant multi-agency response followed the initial 911 call, with Kentucky State Police, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Kentucky Homeland Security all assisting at the scene.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the shooting in a video statement posted to social media, offering condolences and emphasizing the importance of unity:
“Violence has no place in our commonwealth or country. Let’s please pray for the families affected and for our KSU students. Let’s also pray for a world where these things don’t happen. Thank you to our brave law enforcement who acted quickly to protect our people.”
Kentucky State University released its own statement Tuesday evening, expressing profound sorrow:
“Two Kentucky State University students were shot, and we are heartbroken to report that one of the students succumbed to their injuries. The second student is in stable but critical condition and receiving medical care. Out of respect for both students and their families, the University will not release identifying or additional medical information at this time.”
The university confirmed that counseling and support services are being made available for students, faculty, and staff affected by the tragedy. Additional updates will be provided through official KSU communication channels as information is verified.
The campus remains on lockdown as the investigation continues.
Members of the community have begun reacting to the incident. Frankfort City Commissioner Katima Smith-Willis urged compassion and solidarity, writing:
“During difficult moments such as this, I encourage us all to lean into respect, compassion, and care for one another. Kentucky State University is not just the university— it is our university, rooted deeply in our community.”
Authorities have confirmed that the shooting was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
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