Kentucky State University has now confirmed that the shooting that took place on Tuesday afternoon claimed his life De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr.A 19-year-old Kentucky State University student from Indianapolis. Another KSU student was taken to the hospital in critical condition on Fox Jr.’s Kentucky campus near a residence hall in Frankfort. The tragedy devastated the Thoroughbred Community, and students, families, alumni, and administrators throughout the HBCU community mourned the loss of a young life. Kentucky State University.
According to officials, the Kentucky State University shooting, Whitney M. Young Jr. on the south side of the campus. Occurred at 3:35 a.m. near Hall. Fox Jr. was transported to a local hospital where he later died of his injuries.
Law enforcement responded within minutes, treated the situation as an active shooter incident and took custody at the scene. Officials confirmed The suspect, identified as Jacob Lee Bard, 48, of Evansville, is not a student at Kentucky State University and appears to have been isolated, as reported by the Associated Press and later confirmed by Reuters.
What We Know About The Kentucky State University Shooting
Authorities say the Kentucky State University shooting happened around 3 p.m. in a residence hall where students live and study during the school year. Both people photographed were confirmed to be KSU students, although the suspect is not affiliated with the university. A report from Reuters notes that he was arrested shortly after the shootings and booked on murder and assault charges, with investigators working to figure out what started the incident. Authorities have not released a motive and have not publicly identified the victims, who are awaiting notification and support for their families.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said there was no ongoing threat to the campus and described the incident as a “senseless tragedy,” calling for prayers and support for KSU students and families grieving the loss. The shooting occurred in the midst of final exams at Kentucky State University, another stress and disruption for students under academic pressure, and now there must be fear, sadness and uncertainty.
How Kentucky State University Responds
In the immediate aftermath of the Kentucky State University shooting, campus officials moved quickly to prioritize safety and mental health. The university placed the campus on lockdown while law enforcement secured the scene and confirmed there were no additional active threats. KSU authorities then canceled all classes, final exams and university activities for the rest of the week, giving students the option of returning home or staying on campus with additional support. Counseling and mental health services to students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to encourage anyone affected to influence the administration’s assistance. President of Kentucky State University Dr. Koffi J. Akakpo called the incident a “senseless tragedy” and stressed the school’s commitment to supporting the families of the victims as they process what happened with the larger student body. The university is working closely with local law enforcement as the investigation continues, and campus security measures will be reviewed, particularly immigrant security measures around residence halls and high-traffic student areas.
A difficult moment for the HBCU community
Kentucky State University Shooting For a small, close-knit campus like Kentucky State University, which records just over 2,200 students, the impact of the Kentucky State University shooting is a profound one. Many students know each other by name, sharing classes, organizations, residence halls, and community spaces. When violence hits an HBCU campus, it doesn’t just affect the school — it reverberates throughout the entire HBCU ecosystem. KSU has been featured in HBCU Buzz for its academic achievements, community engagement and innovative programs, including recent coverage Kentucky State University Expanding research and outreach efforts that elevate students and surrounding communities. Stories like university Urban Agriculture Project Show how KSU students are normally in the headlines for service, innovation and leadership, not tragedy. This contrast highlights how painful this moment is for students who are currently awaiting finals week grades, grades, and graduation.
Kentucky State University Moves Forward After Shooting
Kentucky State University Shooting Continues, More Questions Than Answers. Law enforcement has not yet released a motive or details of any prior connections between the suspect and anyone on campus. Meanwhile, for many, the focus is on healing and accountability
This means difficult conversations about campus safety, access to residence halls, mental health resources, and how small institutions with limited budgets can still create safe environments that are protected and supported. It means extending love, support and solidarity to the Kentucky State University Community as they mourn the loss of a classmate and rally around a student still struggling to recover. For HBCU supporters, alumni and partners, this is an opportunity to stand with KSU, advocating for institutions for students and highlighting Kentucky State University’s excellence beyond this tragedy.
HBCU Buzz will continue to follow updates from Kentucky State University and local authorities as more information is released regarding the suspect and any new campus security measures that may arise as a result of this heartbreaking incident.
