FRANKFORT, Ky. — Newly surfaced video from Kentucky State University (KSU) appears to show the moments before 19-year-old student Dejon Fox was shot and killed during a campus shooting Tuesday afternoon. In the footage, the suspect can be seen pointing a firearm toward two individuals shortly before gunfire erupted.
According to the Frankfort Police Department, officers were notified of an active aggressor on campus at approximately 3:10 p.m. and arrived within minutes, securing the scene by 3:14 p.m.
University officials later confirmed that two students were struck by gunfire. Fox died from his injuries, while the second victim remains in stable but critical condition and is receiving ongoing medical care.
The shooting occurred on KSU’s south campus, near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall. Police quickly detained a suspect, who was later identified as 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana.
Kentucky State University Shooting Suspect Identified as 48-Year-Old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana Frankfort active aggressor
Bard is not a KSU student and has been charged with murder and first-degree assault.
He is currently being held at the Franklin County Regional Jail.
A coordinated response involving multiple agencies—Kentucky State Police, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Kentucky Homeland Security—assisted in securing the campus and investigating the incident.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the tragedy in a statement posted to social media, calling the shooting an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the public.
“Violence has no place in our commonwealth or country,” Beshear said. “Let’s please pray for the families affected and for our KSU students. Thank you to our brave law enforcement who acted quickly to protect our people.”
Kentucky State University released a formal statement confirming the deaths and extending support to those affected:
“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 the families, no additional identifying information will be released at this time.”
The university noted that counseling and support services are available for students, faculty, and staff, encouraging anyone affected to seek assistance. Further updates will be issued through official KSU channels once verified.
The campus remains under lockdown as the investigation continues.
Local leaders have also spoken out. Frankfort cCity Commissioner Katima Smith-Willis shared a message of unity and compassion:
“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 continue to review the video of the shooting along with other evidence as part of the active investigation.
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