A tragic shooting at Kentucky State University (KSU) in Frankfort on Tuesday has left one student dead and another critically injured, just days before the winter break.
Authorities confirmed that a 48-year-old suspect from Indiana, who is not a student, has been arrested and charged with murder and first-degree assault. He is being held at the Franklin County Regional Jail. Police have not yet confirmed whether he has legal representation.
Contents
- 1 Victim in Critical but Stable Condition
- 2 Classes Suspended for the Rest of the Week
- 3 Rapid Police Response Prevented Further Harm
- 4 Governor Beshear Calls It an ‘Isolated Attack’
- 5 No Weapons Fired by Campus Police
- 6 University Community in Mourning
- 7 Multiple Agencies Responded to the Scene
- 8 Shooting Adds to Violence at HBCUs Nationwide
- 9 About Kentucky State University
Victim in Critical but Stable Condition
According to KSU spokesperson Michael DeCourcy, the second student remains in critical but stable condition as medical care continues.
Officials also confirmed that the shooting, which occurred during finals week, does not appear to have been a targeted attack.
Classes Suspended for the Rest of the Week
Following the incident, Kentucky State University temporarily suspended:
- All classes
- All final examinations
- All campus activities
Students were informed that they may return home if they choose, with more updates expected from the administration.
Rapid Police Response Prevented Further Harm
Assistant Chief of Police Scott Tracy explained that campus officers reacted immediately and apprehended the suspect within moments of the gunfire.
Frankfort police arrived within four minutes of the first 911 call, securing the area while the campus remained on lockdown. Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the university community.
Governor Beshear Calls It an ‘Isolated Attack’
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the shooting as an isolated incident as the Frankfort Police Department continues its investigation.
KSU has now become the site of the 73rd shooting on U.S. school grounds in 2024, based on data from the Gun Violence Archive, Education Week, and Everytown for Gun Safety.
No Weapons Fired by Campus Police
KSU officials confirmed that none of the responding campus police officers discharged their weapons during the incident.
The shooting occurred at approximately 3:10 p.m. outside the Whitney M. Young Jr. residence hall, a student dormitory. The university stated that victims’ identities are being withheld out of respect for their families.
University Community in Mourning
University President Koffi C. Akakpo called the event a “senseless tragedy” that has deeply shaken the campus.
“As a parent, I cannot imagine receiving the call I placed today to the parents. Our students need prayers. Kentucky State University needs prayers,” he said.
KSU has urged students, faculty, and staff to access available counseling and mental health services.
Multiple Agencies Responded to the Scene
A coordinated emergency response included:
- Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
- Kentucky State Police
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Assistant Chief Tracy praised the rapid response, noting that their quick intervention prevented additional casualties.
Shooting Adds to Violence at HBCUs Nationwide
This tragedy marks the third shooting at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in recent months:
- Five people were injured near Howard University in Washington, D.C.
- One person was killed and six injured at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania during homecoming weekend.
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About Kentucky State University
Founded in 1886, Kentucky State University enrolls over 2,200 students and employs approximately 450 faculty and staff.
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