A shooting on December 9, 2025 at Kentucky State University (KSU) has left one student dead and another critically wounded. The campus went on lockdown, and a suspect is now in custody. Authorities say there is no ongoing threat.
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What Happened: Timeline of Events
Tuesday afternoon at approximately 3:10 p.m., police in Frankfort, Kentucky received a report of an “active aggressor” on campus. Officers responded within minutes and by roughly 3:14 p.m. — just four minutes after the initial call — a suspect had already been detained. The shooting occurred near the south side of campus, outside a residence hall identified as Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall. Two KSU students were struck by gunfire. One later died; the second victim was rushed to a hospital and remains in stable but critical condition.
Authorities quickly apprehended a suspect who was not a student at the university. He has since been identified and now faces charges including murder and first-degree assault. Law enforcement agencies describe the incident as isolated, and no further threat to campus safety has been identified.
Who Is the Suspect — and What Is Known
The person arrested in connection with the shooting is named Jacob Lee Bard (or Board — depending on initial reports). He is not a student at KSU. His arrest came swiftly after officers responded to the active-shooter call, and campus police took decisive action to detain him at the scene. As of now, Bard is charged with murder and first-degree assault. Authorities have not released additional details about his background, relationship (if any) to the victims, or possible motive.
Investigators have confirmed that both victims were enrolled at Kentucky State University. The institution has not released personal details or identities, citing respect for the victims and their families. At this moment, many details remain undisclosed — including motive, how the suspect gained access to the residence hall, and how he may have known the victims (if at all).
Institutional Response and Campus Reaction
In a statement, Kentucky State University called the incident a “senseless tragedy.” The university president expressed deep sorrow over the loss and pledged support for the community during this difficult time.
In light of the shooting, KSU canceled all classes, final exams, and campus activities for the remainder of the week. Counseling services have been made available to students, faculty, and staff affected by the event. The campus has been placed on lockdown while law enforcement continues their investigation.
State leadership also responded. The governor of Kentucky publicly acknowledged the tragedy, urging prayers for the victims, their families, and the broader KSU community. He reiterated that the shooting does not appear to be a random act or mass-shooting event — describing it instead as an isolated incident.
What We Know — and What Remains Unclear
Known facts:
- Two KSU students were shot; one died, one remains in stable but critical condition.
- A suspect — not affiliated with the university — is in custody, charged with murder and assault.
- The campus is secured, on lockdown, and no further threat has been identified.
- KSU has canceled classes and campus activities for the rest of the week and is offering support services to affected students and staff.
What remains unconfirmed:
- The motive behind the shooting. Authorities have not publicly detailed why the suspect targeted the students.
- Any personal history of the suspect — including whether he had previously engaged in criminal activity or had ties to the university beyond being “not a student.”
- Details about the victims: their identities, ages, major fields of study, or personal backgrounds have not been released — out of respect for privacy.
Context and Broader Concerns
This tragedy arrives at a tense time: students at KSU were preparing for final exams, and the shooting occurred in a residence hall during what should have been a routine school day. The fact that the suspect is not affiliated with the university raises serious concerns about campus security and outside access. For a historically Black institution with a relatively small student body, incidents of gun violence can hit especially hard — affecting not just individuals, but entire tight-knit communities. The college’s decision to shut down campus activities and mobilize support services reflects both the seriousness of the incident and a commitment to student welfare.
This shooting also underscores broader national concerns about gun violence on campuses. While media and public attention tends to focus on mass shootings, isolated incidents — such as this one — can be equally devastating and destabilizing for students and families. The loss of one student, the trauma for survivors, and the ripple effects through families and friends are profound.
What Happens Next?
Law enforcement is continuing to investigate the incident. That includes establishing motive, piecing together any potential connection between the suspect and the victims, and clarifying outstanding questions about how the shooting happened. Police agencies involved include the Frankfort Police Department, KSU Campus Police, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and state authorities.
The university has pledged to share verified updates through official channels as new information becomes available. In the meantime, it has urged students and staff to make use of counseling and other support services.
Campus leaders also say they will review security protocols and consider any changes necessary to prevent future tragedies and bolster student safety.
Why This Matters
For current and prospective KSU students, their families, and alumni, this event is a harsh reminder of how quickly life can change. It disrupts not only individual futures, but also the sense of safety many take for granted on campus. For communities across the country, it is a stark example of how gun violence continues to infiltrate spaces once considered — and hoped to remain — secure.
As the investigation moves forward, the identity of the suspect and the motive may become clearer — but for now, the focus remains on supporting victims, preserving campus safety, and ensuring justice is served.
We invite you to share your thoughts or prayers for the victims and community. Stay tuned here for verified updates as more details become available.
