Kentucky State University Mourns Tragic Shooting: One Student Dead, Another Critical
The campus of Kentucky State University (KSU) was rocked by tragedy on Tuesday afternoon as a shooting claimed the life of one student and left another hospitalized. The shooting occurred at approximately 3:10 p.m., when the Frankfort Police Department received reports of an active aggressor on campus. By the time officers arrived, they were able to detain the suspect quickly, but the damage had already been done.
The victim has been identified as 19-year-old Dejon Fox, whose life was tragically cut short by the gunfire. A second student was also injured in the incident and remains in critical but stable condition, receiving ongoing medical treatment. The shooting occurred near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, in the southern part of the campus, where students and faculty alike were left in shock and disbelief.
The KSU community is now grappling with the harsh reality of a crime that took place in a place where young people come to learn, grow, and build their futures. What was supposed to be a day of ordinary campus life has now become a moment of heartbreak and loss for many. The victim, Dejon Fox, was just beginning his journey in life, and now his family, friends, and classmates are left to mourn the loss of a young soul with a promising future.
A Community Shattered: The Suspect and the Investigation
The suspect in this tragic incident has been identified as 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard from Evansville, Indiana. Despite his age, Bard has no connection to Kentucky State University, leading many to wonder how this individual ended up on campus with a weapon. Authorities quickly arrested Bard, who is now facing charges of murder and first-degree assault. He was taken into custody without further incident, but the questions surrounding the motive remain unanswered.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies from across the state involved. In addition to the Frankfort Police Department, officials from the Kentucky State Police, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and federal agencies such as the ATF and Kentucky Homeland Security responded to the scene, ensuring the safety of the campus and aiding in the investigation. While Bard is currently being held in the Franklin County Regional Jail, the community continues to search for answers as to why this senseless act of violence took place.
The campus remains on lockdown as the investigation continues, with law enforcement assuring the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community. The tragedy has left a deep scar on the close-knit KSU community, but it has also sparked a wave of support and compassion from local leaders, students, and faculty alike.
A Call for Unity: KSU and the Community Stand Together
In the aftermath of the shooting, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear took to social media to express his condolences, calling the act “shocking and senseless.” He also emphasized the importance of working toward a world where these types of tragedies no longer occur. “Violence has no place in our commonwealth or country,” Beshear said, urging citizens to pray for those affected by the incident.
As for Kentucky State University, the administration has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, acknowledging the loss of a young life and offering support to the victims’ families. Counseling services have been made available for students, faculty, and staff affected by the incident. The university has promised to keep the community informed with official updates as more details are made available.
Community leaders, including Frankfort City Commissioner Katima Smith-Willis, have called for solidarity, urging the people of Kentucky to lean into respect, compassion, and care during these difficult moments. “Kentucky State University is not just the university — it is our university, rooted deeply in our community,” Smith-Willis said, rallying people together in support.