Frankfort, Kentucky, December 11, 2025
A tragic shooting at Kentucky State University in Frankfort has left one student dead and another critically injured. The alleged shooter, a parent of a student, has been arrested. The university is taking immediate actions to support the affected community, including cancelling classes and providing counseling services. This incident has raised serious concerns about safety within educational environments, prompting calls for enhanced security measures on campus.
Frankfort, Kentucky
Tragic Shooting at Kentucky State University Claims One Life
A Parent Arrested Following Campus Incident
On December 9, 2025, a tragic shooting occurred at Kentucky State University (KSU) in Frankfort, Kentucky, highlighting concerns surrounding safety in educational environments. The incident resulted in the death of 19-year-old student De’Jon Fox Jr. and left another KSU student critically injured. The alleged shooter, Jacob Lee Bard, a 48-year-old from Evansville, Indiana, has been charged with murder and first-degree assault. Bard, identified as a parent of a KSU student, was arrested at the scene. Authorities have stated that this was an isolated incident and have not released any details regarding the motive.
Kentucky State University, a historically Black institution catering to approximately 2,200 students, is undertaking immediate steps to address the community’s needs in light of this devastating event. The university has canceled all classes, final exams, and campus activities for the remainder of the week, while also offering counseling services to support students, faculty, and staff. President Koffi C. Akakpo expressed deep condolences to those affected and reaffirmed KSU’s commitment to student safety amidst the ongoing investigation.
Community Response and Safety Measures
The shooting has raised alarm within the KSU community, especially as it marks the second shooting connected to the residence hall, Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, in a span of four months. As the investigation continues, law enforcement is reviewing surveillance and bystander video footage to gather more insight into the incident. The pressing need for enhancing campus security and fostering an environment where students feel safe is now more critical than ever.
Campus Counseling Services Availability
In response to the emotional and psychological impact of this event, KSU is prioritizing support through readily available counseling services for all students and faculty. The counseling center’s goal is to provide a safe space for individuals to express feelings, process the trauma, and begin to seek healing. This initiative showcases the university’s commitment to the health and well-being of its community members following such a distressing occurrence.
Key Facts of the Shooting Incident
This tragic event illuminates important aspects regarding campus life and its challenges. With the investigation underway and efforts focused on community healing, local voices call for proactive measures to enhance safety and prevent future incidents.
Conclusion: Committing to Future Safety
The recent shooting at Kentucky State University is a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding safety on college campuses. As the investigation reveals further details and the community seeks recovery, it is critical for institutions to advocate for improved security measures to foster an environment conducive to learning and growth. The resilience of local communities in the face of hardship speaks to their strength. By supporting one another and championing a culture of safety, we can work towards a brighter future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened during the shooting at Kentucky State University?
On December 9, 2025, a shooting occurred at Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Kentucky, resulting in the death of 19-year-old student De’Jon Fox Jr. and critically injuring another student. The suspect, 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard from Evansville, Indiana, has been charged with murder and first-degree assault. Bard is the parent of a KSU student and was arrested at the scene. The incident took place near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, a residence hall on campus. Authorities have stated that the shooting was an isolated incident and have not disclosed a motive. The second victim remains in critical condition at a local hospital. An autopsy on Fox is scheduled, with results expected in 14 to 16 weeks. The university has canceled all classes, final exams, and campus activities for the remainder of the week and is offering counseling services to students, faculty, and staff. KSU President Koffi C. Akakpo expressed condolences and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to student safety. The investigation is ongoing, with police reviewing surveillance and bystander video footage. This incident marks the second shooting connected to the residence hall in four months. KSU is a public historically Black institution with approximately 2,200 students.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Victim | De’Jon Fox Jr., 19-year-old KSU student from Indianapolis |
| Suspect | Jacob Lee Bard, 48-year-old from Evansville, Indiana, parent of a KSU student |
| Charges | Murder and first-degree assault |
| Second Victim | Another KSU student, critically injured, name not released |
| University Response | Cancellation of all classes, final exams, and campus activities for the remainder of the week; offering counseling services to students, faculty, and staff |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing, with police reviewing surveillance and bystander video footage |
| University Enrollment | Approximately 2,200 students |
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