A quiet Tuesday afternoon at Kentucky State University shattered into chaos as gunfire erupted near the Whitney M. Young Jr. residence hall, leaving a community reeling and a family grieving.
Police swiftly identified the suspect as Jacob Lee Bard, a 48-year-old man from Evansville, Indiana – a city roughly 150 miles away – and immediately took him into custody. Crucially, investigators confirmed Bard had no affiliation with the university as a student, deepening the mystery surrounding the attack.
The initial 911 call came in just after 3:10 p.m., and Frankfort police arrived on the scene within minutes, finding Kentucky State University police already holding Bard. The campus quickly became a scene of flashing lights and yellow crime scene tape encircling the dormitories.
Two students were struck by the gunfire. One tragically succumbed to their injuries at the hospital, a devastating loss for their family and the university. The other remains in critical condition, fighting for their life as the campus holds its breath.
University officials are withholding the names of the victims out of respect for their families during this incredibly difficult time, offering them unwavering support and access to counseling services. The weight of grief is palpable across the campus.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the state, stating the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident with no continuing threat to the community. He urged prayers for the affected families and students, and for a future free from such violence.
University President Koffi C. Akakpo, visibly shaken, described the event as a “senseless tragedy.” He spoke of the unimaginable pain of informing a parent of their child’s death, a burden he carried with profound sorrow.
In the wake of the shooting, Kentucky State University has canceled all classes, final exams, and campus activities for the remainder of the week. Students are being offered the option to return home, as the university grapples with how to move forward.
The campus now stands as a place of mourning and uncertainty, a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the enduring impact of violence. The community is left to process the shock and begin the long journey of healing.
