The individual charged with the campus shooting at Kentucky State University, which resulted in the death of one student and injury to another, has been identified as a resident of Indiana, who was not affiliated with the institution.
Frankfort law enforcement officials have named 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard, hailing from Evansville, Indiana, as the suspect. He faces charges of murder and first-degree assault following the Tuesday incident. Evansville is situated roughly 150 miles west of Frankfort.
Investigators confirmed that Bard is not a university student, but have yet to disclose any potential motives for the attack.
Police in Frankfort were alerted to the shooting at approximately 3:10 p.m. and responded promptly, arriving within minutes at the Whitney M. Young Jr. residence hall. By this time, campus police had already apprehended Bard.
The incident occurred at around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the mentioned residence hall on the university’s grounds. The scene was documented with footage showing numerous police vehicles and crime scene tape encircling several dormitory buildings.
Video from the scene showed multiple police vehicles and crime scene tape around a cluster of dormitories.
Police said two victims, identified as students, were shot. One died, and the other is in critical condition. (@Collins_Wx via Storyful)
Police said both shooting victims were students. One died at the hospital, and the other remains in critical condition. The university is not immediately releasing their names.
“We are in close contact with the families and are providing every available support to them,” the school said in a statement, adding that counseling and support services are available.
Gov. Andy Beshear said in a video message posted on X that the shooting “appears to be an isolated incident,” and that “there is no ongoing threat.”
“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,” he said.
Authorities from multiple agencies responded to the shooting at Kentucky State University on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (WDRB)
University President Koffi C. Akakpo called it a “senseless tragedy.”
“We’re mourning the loss of one of our students,” he said during the news conference Tuesday evening. “As a parent I cannot imagine receiving the call I placed today to the parents.”
The university canceled classes, final exams, and campus activities for the rest of the week. The fall term had been scheduled to end Friday.
“Students may return home if they choose,” the school said in a statement. “Additional guidance will be communicated as soon as possible.”
