Attorneys Say Jacob Bard’s Actions Were Legally Justified in Kentucky State University Shooting Case

Attorneys argue that Jacob Bard’s actions in a deadly shooting at Kentucky State University were legally justified and taken in defense of his family during what they describe as a violent and uncontrolled situation on campus.

In a press release issued Monday afternoon, Bard’s legal team from the Indiana-based law firm Danks & Danks stated that Bard “was completely justified under the law in his use of deadly force,” citing claims of self-defense and protection of family members.

Bard is accused of fatally shooting one Kentucky State University student and wounding another during an incident that occurred at a campus dormitory.

According to the attorneys, Bard traveled to Kentucky State University after his younger son reported being attacked on multiple occasions prior to the shooting.

The release alleges that on Monday, December 8, a group estimated at 20 to 30 individuals gathered outside the son’s dormitory room, some of whom were allegedly armed, and began beating on the door. Campus police were reportedly contacted to respond to the disturbance.

The following morning, Bard and his wife met with Kentucky State University police. While the attorneys acknowledged that officers appeared sincere in their efforts, they claimed the family believed campus police were ill-prepared to manage what they described as an increasingly violent environment.

The legal team further alleged that the university and its police department failed to adequately address what they characterized as multiple armed and violent offenses involving Bard’s sons, ages 18 and 19, as well as other students in the days leading up to the incident.

Those alleged incidents, according to the statement, included burglaries and armed assaults.

Later that same morning, the family attended a meeting at Young Hall with campus police and a university dean.

According to the attorneys, the meeting left the family convinced that the university could not ensure a safe living environment, leading them to begin removing the son’s belongings from the dormitory.

When the family returned to the residence hall, the attorneys claim that individuals previously involved in the alleged assaults were present inside the building, despite assurances that they would not be allowed access.

The statement further alleges that those individuals photographed the family and made verbal threats toward them.

The legal team contends that, even with two armed Kentucky State University police officers present, a group of 20 to 30 individuals gathered in the dormitory lobby and violently attacked Bard’s son and other family members.

According to the release, Bard’s son was thrown onto a concrete floor and struck by multiple people, while the responding officer allegedly lost control of the situation.

The attorneys stated that Bard attempted to pull attackers away from his son but was struck himself. Believing his son was in immediate danger of death or serious bodily harm, Bard then drew his firearm and shot two individuals whom the legal team claims were actively assaulting his son.

The attorneys also said that no charges have been filed against other individuals allegedly involved in the confrontation and claimed that members of the Bard family have continued to receive threats following the incident.

The release further alleges that the mother of the deceased student publicly called for retaliation against Bard’s son and sought assistance from criminal groups. These claims have not been independently confirmed by authorities.

The case against Bard was presented to a grand jury on December 16.

During a prior court hearing, a detective testified that at least one video reviewed by investigators did not show the shooting victims assaulting Bard’s son.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet issued a final determination regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting.