Suspected gunman in deadly KSU shooting identified, booked into jail

UPDATE: Frankfort police have identified the suspected shooter as Jacob Lee Bard, of Evansville, Indiana. He’s been booked into the jail on murder and first degree assault charges.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – One person is dead and another is hospitalized in stable but critical condition following a shooting at Kentucky State University Tuesday afternoon, according to the Frankfort Police Department. Police say a suspect remains in custody.

Frankfort Police confirmed the updated information at 4:35 p.m., following the incident that unfolded earlier in the afternoon on KSU’s campus.

Preliminary information indicates the shooting was caused by a personal dispute and was not a random active shooter situation, an official briefed on the situation told ABC News.

Police say officers were called to the campus around 3:35 p.m. for reports of an active aggressor. Frankfort Police, Kentucky State University Campus Police and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded and secured the area. The suspect was taken into custody at the scene.

Governor Andy Beshear first confirmed the situation in a post on X, saying law enforcement was on scene, a suspect had been arrested and multiple injuries had been reported. He also asked Kentuckians to pray for those affected.

Kentucky State University officials confirmed the shooting occurred near Whitney M. Young, Jr. Hall, a residence hall on the south side of campus. University officials say two KSU students were shot during the incident and are receiving medical care. The university has not released the students’ identities or specific medical information out of respect for their families. Officials say the alleged shooter was not a student.

KSU officials say there is no ongoing threat to the campus community. However, portions of the south campus remain restricted to allow emergency crews and investigators full access to the area.

The university says it is working closely with local and state law enforcement as the investigation continues. Counseling and support services are being made available for students, faculty and staff impacted by the shooting.

Officials say additional updates will be shared through official Kentucky State University communication channels and BRED Alerts as more verified information becomes available.

This remains an active investigation.

UPDATE FROM FRANKFORT POLICE: Update, 4:35 PM: Officials confirm one person is deceased, one has been transported to the hospital in stable but critical condition. A suspect remains in custody.

ORIGINAL STORY:

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A reported active aggressor incident at Kentucky State University Tuesday afternoon has left multiple people injured, and a suspect is now in custody, according to state and local officials.

Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed the situation in a post on X, saying officials are aware of the reported shooting on KSU’s campus and that there are confirmed injuries. He also said law enforcement quickly responded and a suspect has been arrested.

Frankfort Police Department provided additional details, saying officers were called to KSU around 3:35 p.m. for reports of an active aggressor. Frankfort Police, along with Kentucky State University Campus Police and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, secured the campus and took a suspect into custody.

At this time, KSU’s campus remains on lockdown until further notice. Police and university officials say more information will be released as it becomes available.

“We are aware of a reported shooting at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. At this time, we are aware of some injuries. We will share more information as available. Law enforcement are on scene, and a suspect has been arrested,” Beshear wrote. He also asked Kentuckians to pray for all those affected.

Here is the statement from KSU: “Earlier today, a shooting occurred near Whitney M. Young, Jr. Hall, a residence hall on the south side of Kentucky State University’s campus. Campus Police and emergency responders arrived on the scene immediately, and the suspect has been apprehended. At this time, there is no ongoing threat to the campus community.

Two Kentucky State University students were shot during this incident and are currently receiving medical care. Out of respect for the students and their families, the University will not release identifying or medical information at this time. We are in direct contact with the families and are providing every available support to them.

Kentucky State University is working closely with local and state law enforcement as the investigation continues. South campus residence halls remain restricted to allow emergency crews and investigators full access to the area.

Counseling and support services are available for students, faculty, and staff who may be impacted by this event. We encourage anyone in need of assistance to contact the University’s counseling services.

Additional updates will be shared with the campus community through official Kentucky State University channels and BRED Alerts as verified information becomes available. The safety, well-being, and care of our students remain our highest priority.”

This is a breaking developing story, which we’ll continue to update as we learn new information.