FRANKFORT, Ky. — One student is dead and another remains hospitalized after a shooting Tuesday afternoon on the campus of Kentucky State University (KSU), officials said. Authorities have identified the student who died as 19-year-old Dejon Fox.
According to the Frankfort Police Department, officers responded at approximately 3:10 p.m. to reports of an active aggressor on campus. Police arrived within four minutes, secured the area, and detained a suspect shortly afterward.
Kentucky State University confirmed that two students were shot during the incident. One of the students, identified as Fox, died from his injuries. The second student is listed in stable but critical condition and is receiving ongoing medical treatment.
A university official said the shooting occurred on the south campus near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall.
Police identified the suspect as 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana, and confirmed he is not a KSU student. Bard has been charged with murder and first-degree assault. He was taken into custody without further incident and is currently booked at the Franklin County Regional Jail.
A multi-agency response followed the initial 911 call. Kentucky State Police, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Kentucky Homeland Security assisted at the scene as authorities worked to secure the campus and begin the investigation.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the shooting in a video statement posted to social media, offering condolences and urging unity. “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. Thank you to our brave law enforcement who acted quickly to protect our people,” Beshear said.
Kentucky State University released a statement Tuesday evening expressing sorrow and confirming limited information would be shared out of respect for those impacted. “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 both students and their families, the University will not release identifying or additional medical information at this time,” the statement read.
The university said counseling and support services are being made available for students, faculty, and staff affected by the tragedy. Officials added that additional updates will be provided through official KSU communication channels as information is verified.
The campus remains on lockdown as the investigation continues. Community leaders have also responded. Frankfort City Commissioner Katima Smith-Willis urged compassion and solidarity, writing, “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 have stated the shooting was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
