One student is dead and another is critically injured after a shooting at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. Police say the attack happened near a residence hall on campus and involved a parent of a current student.
The incident has shaken the small campus community, raised questions about safety, and sparked a new round of debate about violence on and around college campuses.
Overview Of The Incident
The shooting happened on Tuesday afternoon near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, a residence hall on the south side of Kentucky State University. According to police, officers responded to reports of an “active aggressor” on campus.
When officers arrived, they found two students had been shot. One student later died from injuries. The second student was rushed to a hospital in critical but stable condition and remains in intensive care, according to updates from police.
The Suspect: A Parent In Custody
Police identified the suspect as 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana. He is not a student at the university but is a parent of a Kentucky State University student, according to authorities.
Bard was taken into custody and booked on charges of murder and first-degree assault. Investigators say he was involved in a physical altercation on campus before he allegedly fired a handgun, hitting two students.
Officials have described the shooting as a targeted incident linked to a personal dispute. It was not a random attack or a traditional “mass shooting,” according to early statements from law enforcement and state officials.
The Victims And Their Families
The student who died was identified as 19-year-old De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr. of Indianapolis. He was a sophomore at Kentucky State University. His family told local media that he loved being a student at the school and was excited about his future there.
The second victim, also a Kentucky State student, survived and remains in critical condition. Officials say the student is in intensive care but stable. Out of respect for privacy, authorities have not released that student’s name publicly.
Friends, classmates, and staff have begun to share memories and condolences online and in person. On campus, students have organized small gatherings and placed flowers and candles as a memorial.
“Not A Random Mass Shooting,” Officials Say
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear recorded a message addressing the shooting and tried to calm fears about wider danger. He said that based on what he had been told, this was not a mass shooting or random attack.
The governor stressed that the suspect was already in custody and that there was no ongoing threat to students or the public. His message echoed statements from the Frankfort Police Department and university officials.
Police also said they are reviewing a video that appears to show a student being “jumped” by a group. Investigators have not confirmed whether that video is directly connected to the shooting, and they say it is still early in the process.
How The Campus Responded
During the incident, the campus community received alerts about an active aggressor and was asked to shelter in place. Emergency responders secured the area around the residence hall and began coordinating care for the victims.
Later, Kentucky State University officials announced that all classes and campus activities were canceled for the rest of the week. The goal is to give students, faculty, and staff time to grieve, recover, and access support.
University President Koffi Akakpo called the shooting a “senseless tragedy” and said the school is mourning the loss of one of its students. The university is working closely with local and state law enforcement while the investigation continues.
Investigation: What Police Are Looking Into
Detectives are now focused on understanding what led up to the shooting and the relationship between the suspect, the victims, and others involved in the dispute.
Key questions include:
- What caused the initial physical altercation on campus?
- How did the suspect gain access to the area around the residence hall?
- Were there any earlier warning signs or threats?
- What role, if any, did the online video being reviewed by police play in the events?
So far, authorities have stressed that the case appears isolated. They have also repeated that there is no ongoing threat to the campus community.
Campus Safety And Student Support
After any violent incident on campus, safety comes back into focus. Kentucky State University is reviewing its response and reminding students about existing security measures, including:
- Emergency alert systems and text notifications
- Campus police and security patrols
- Controlled access to residence halls and key buildings
- Reporting tools for threats, harassment, or unsafe behavior
The university is also encouraging students and staff to use counseling and mental health services. Events like this can trigger anxiety, fear, and grief even for people who were not directly involved.
Community Grief And The Bigger Conversation
The shooting at Kentucky State University fits into a larger pattern of gun violence touching schools, colleges, and public spaces. Each incident sparks familiar questions about prevention, conflict resolution, and access to weapons.
Gov. Beshear urged people to pray for those affected and said he wants a future where arguments are not settled through violence. Campus leaders, students, and families are echoing calls for safer ways to handle disputes and protect young people.
For now, the focus at Kentucky State is on supporting the injured student, honoring the life of De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr., and helping the campus community heal. As the investigation moves forward, more details will shape how the university, families, and officials respond.
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