Frankfort Police have arrested Jacob Lee Bard, a 48-year-old resident of Evansville, Indiana, in connection with a fatal shooting on the Kentucky State University (KSU) campus that claimed the life of one student and left another in critical condition. The incident unfolded around 3:10 p.m. on December 9, 2025, near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, a dormitory on the southern edge of the historically Black university's grounds in Frankfort. Authorities responded swiftly to reports of an "active aggressor," apprehending Bard minutes later in collaboration with KSU campus police and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, confirming there is no ongoing threat to the community.

Bard, who is not affiliated with KSU as a student or staff member, was booked into Franklin County Regional Jail on charges of murder and first-degree assault. A mugshot released by authorities shows the suspect with short hair and a neutral expression, underscoring the gravity of the charges. Investigators have described the event as an isolated incident involving three individuals, though details on Bard's relationship to the victims or the precise circumstances leading to the gunfire remain under wraps as the probe continues. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed condolences, calling it a "senseless tragedy" and vowing support for the KSU community.

The shooting prompted an immediate campus-wide lockdown, with KSU suspending all classes, final exams, and activities through the end of the week to prioritize safety and counseling services. Students were given the option to leave campus or remain in secure areas, and grief counselors were made available on-site. One victim succumbed to injuries at a local hospital, while the second remains in critical but stable condition; both were confirmed as KSU students. University President Koffi Akakpo addressed the community in a briefing, emphasizing resilience amid the shock.

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As the investigation unfolds, officials have refrained from speculating on a motive, but the incident has reignited concerns over campus safety at HBCUs, where such violence disproportionately affects Black students. KSU, with its roughly 2,200 enrollees, joins a somber list of institutions grappling with gun violence, prompting calls for enhanced security measures and mental health resources. Bard's court appearance is pending, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to aid in piecing together the events.

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