A tragic incident unfolded on the campus of Kentucky State University on Tuesday, resulting in the death of one student and injuries to another. Authorities have identified the suspect as a 48-year-old man from Indiana, who is not a student at the institution.

The Frankfort Police Department confirmed that Jacob Lee Bard, hailing from Evansville, Indiana, has been charged with murder and first-degree assault in connection with the shooting. Evansville is located approximately 150 miles west of Frankfort.

While investigators have yet to establish a motive for the attack, they have clarified that Bard has no official ties to the university.

The response from law enforcement was swift. Frankfort officers were alerted to the shooting around 3:10 p.m. and reached the Whitney M. Young Jr. residence hall within minutes. By the time they arrived, campus police had already apprehended Bard.

The tragic shooting occurred at approximately 3 p.m. at the residence hall on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. The university community and local authorities continue to seek answers during this difficult time.

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.”