NEED TO KNOW
- One person is dead and another is in critical condition following a shooting at Kentucky State University on Tuesday, Dec. 9
- The incident took place at the Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall residence hall
- The Frankfort Police Department announced that a suspect is in custody
One person is dead and another is in critical condition following a shooting at Kentucky State University on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
The university announced in a statement that it is “actively managing” a campus incident that occurred earlier today in Whitney M. Young Hall, a residence hall on the south side of campus.
Officers from the Frankfort Police Department responded to a call about an “active aggressor,” according to an update posted on Facebook. In a later press release, the City of Frankfort said dispatch received the call at about 3:10 p.m., and officers arrived at the scene four minutes later.
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Nearly an hour later, officials confirmed that one person was deceased while another person had been transported to the hospital in “stable but critical condition.”
The university confirmed in a second statement that the second student is currently receiving medical care. Scott Tracy, Assistant Chief of Police at the Frankfort Police Department, said in a follow-up press conference that both students suffered gunshot wounds.
“Out of respect for both students and their families, the University will not release identifying or additional medical information at this time. We are in close contact with the families and are providing every available support to them,” the second statement said.
On Tuesday evening, the City of Frankfort announced that the Frankfort Police Department has identified the suspected shooter, who is in custody, as Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana. He is not a Kentucky State University student.
Bard has been booked into Franklin County Regional Jail on charges of murder and assault first degree. According to online records reviewed by PEOPLE, he is 48 years old.
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The historically Black university, which was chartered in 1886, has more than 2,200 students, 450 faculty and staff members, per its website.
The university and the police department noted in their statement and in the press conference that there is no ongoing threat to the campus community. They believed it is an isolated incident.
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“Campus Police, and local law enforcement are coordinating the response and ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff,” the university said.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said on X that his office is aware of the incident and that information will be shared as available.
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“Let’s pray for all those affected,” said Beshear.
The university suspended all classes, final exams and campus activities for the remainder of the week due to the shooting.
Read the full article here


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