Kentucky State University Community Reels After Deadly Dormitory Shooting

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Journos News) – Kentucky State University suspended all classes and exams for the week after a fatal shooting inside a campus residence hall left one student dead and another critically injured. Police say the attack appears isolated, yet the campus community remains shaken as support teams work to assist students, families, and staff.

Authorities responded quickly to the shooting, which occurred Tuesday afternoon inside Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall. Investigators arrested a suspect who is not linked to the university. The violence revived concerns about campus safety after a previous shooting near the same residence hall earlier this year. Counseling services and crisis teams have been deployed as the university works to steady the community.

Police Make Arrest After Dormitory Attack

Frankfort police said the shooting at Kentucky State University began shortly after 3 p.m. Officers arrived within minutes. They found two students suffering from gunshot wounds inside the residence hall. One later died, and the second remains in critical but stable condition.

Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy described the incident as “isolated.” He said officers secured the building quickly and found no further threat to the campus. Tracy declined to discuss a motive and said the investigation is ongoing.

Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana. Officers arrested him on charges of murder and first-degree assault. Bard was transferred to the Franklin County Regional Jail. Local court records did not list an attorney for him, and officials have not announced when he will appear in court.

Footage from WLKY-TV showed officers blocking dorm entrances and stretching crime scene tape across a courtyard. Dozens of police vehicles surrounded the cluster of residence halls, underscoring the scale of the response.

University Confirms Student Death and Offers Support

Kentucky State University officials said the student who survived the shooting remains in critical condition but is stable. The school is withholding the names of both victims to respect the families’ privacy.

“We are in close contact with the families and are providing every available support to them,” the university said in a statement.
Students, faculty, and staff now have access to counseling teams, mental health personnel, and crisis response units. University leaders have encouraged students to seek assistance throughout the week.

Governor Beshear Condemns the Violence

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the shooting in a statement posted on X. He called the attack “senseless” and emphasized that no continuing threat remained on campus.

“Violence has no place in our commonwealth or country,” he said. “Please pray for the families affected and for our KSU students.”
His message reinforced law enforcement’s position that the shooting was an isolated act.

Classes and Exams Canceled for the Week

The university canceled all classes, final exams, and scheduled campus activities for the rest of the week. Students living in residence halls received permission to leave early if they preferred.

Administrators said more academic guidance will follow, including updated exam schedules and support for students who need flexibility.
University President Koffi C. Akakpo called the shooting a devastating loss. “We’re mourning the loss of one of our students,” he said. “As a parent, I cannot imagine making the call I made today to the parents.”
His comments reflected the emotional toll felt across the campus community.

Second Shooting Near Same Dorm in Four Months

Tuesday’s violence was the second shooting near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall since August. In the earlier incident, someone fired multiple shots from a moving vehicle near the dorm. Two people who were not students were struck—one suffered minor injuries and the other was seriously wounded. Bullets also hit the building and at least one parked vehicle.

Police have not linked the two shootings, but the recurrence has raised concerns among students and families. Many have called for stronger security measures around the residence halls.

Officials Review Safety Measures

Authorities have not yet announced new security steps. The university already operates a campus police department and uses controlled-access systems on residence halls.
Still, the administration acknowledged the need to evaluate campus safety procedures in light of recent events.

Security experts note that despite isolated violent incidents, university campuses generally remain safe environments. However, smaller institutions often feel the impact of such events more deeply because of their close-knit communities.

A Historic University with a Strong Identity

Founded in 1886, Kentucky State University is one of the nation’s historically Black universities. It was originally created to train Black educators during the post–Civil War era.
Today, the school enrolls about 2,200 students and offers a wide range of programs. Its campus lies about two miles east of the Kentucky Capitol building in Frankfort, a city of roughly 28,000 residents.

Students Seek Connection and Stability

In the hours after the shooting, students gathered in small groups across the campus. Some stayed close to friends for support. Others returned home early to be with their families.
University staff worked to provide meals, transportation assistance, and health services to any students who chose to remain in residence halls.

The school said it will share details about memorial services after consulting with the family of the deceased student. Faculty are also adjusting academic deadlines to ensure students do not face additional pressure because of the disruption.

A Community Searches for Healing

The shooting has added to national conversations about campus safety and mental health support. Fatal campus shootings are rare, but their effects linger.
For Kentucky State University, this week’s tragedy ended the fall semester under a cloud of grief. Students and faculty are calling for unity, reassurance, and time to heal.