Student Killed in Kentucky State University Shooting; Suspect in Custody

Journey Tribune – A deadly shooting at Kentucky State University (KSU) on Tuesday has left one student dead and another in stable but critical condition, authorities confirmed. The incident prompted a campus-wide lockdown and a rapid law enforcement response, with a suspect now in custody.

Frankfort police said the suspect, who is not enrolled at the university, was apprehended at the scene. Officials emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident and not part of a broader attack. The violence occurred in a residence hall on the southern side of KSU’s campus in Frankfort, a city with a population of around 27,000.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear was among the first to address the tragedy. Posting on X, the governor said,

“Violence has no place in our commonwealth or country. Let’s please pray for the families affected and for our KSU students. Let’s also pray for a world where these things don’t happen. Thank you to our brave law enforcement who acted quickly to protect our people.”

Law enforcement agencies from multiple jurisdictions responded to the shooting, including the Frankfort Police Department, KSU campus police, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. In a press briefing Tuesday evening, Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy of the Frankfort Police Department praised the swift action of campus security, stating that officers apprehended the suspect before additional law enforcement arrived on the scene.

“Campus police acted quickly and effectively, minimizing further harm,” Tracy said. He confirmed that local, state, and federal agencies are now assisting in the investigation. While authorities have not released the identities of those involved, KSU emphasized that it is in close contact with the families of the victims and is providing all available support.

The university’s official statement read, “Out of respect for both students and their families, the University will not release identifying or additional medical information at this time. We are in close contact with the families and are providing every available support to them.”

In response to the shooting, KSU announced the cancellation of all classes, final exams, and campus activities for the remainder of the week. Students are being offered the option to return home if they choose. Counseling and support services have been made available to students, faculty, and staff affected by the incident, the university said.

Speaking at the press conference, KSU President Koffi C. Akakpo described the shooting as a “senseless tragedy.” He acknowledged the emotional weight of the day, saying, “As a parent, I cannot imagine receiving the call I placed today to the parents. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”

Kentucky State University, located on approximately 1,000 acres in Frankfort, serves over 2,200 students and employs around 450 faculty and staff members. The university has a long-standing reputation as a historically Black university and has consistently emphasized student safety and community engagement.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the suspect’s motives and background. Meanwhile, law enforcement has urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to respect the privacy of the students and families affected.

The incident comes amid a rising national concern over gun violence on college campuses. While campus shootings remain statistically rare compared with other forms of gun violence, experts say the psychological and communal impact can be profound and long-lasting. Universities across the United States have increasingly implemented emergency preparedness measures, including active shooter drills, on-campus security enhancements, and crisis counseling programs, in response to the growing threat of campus shootings.

As the investigation continues, the Kentucky State University community is grappling with grief and shock. Students, faculty, and staff have gathered in vigils and support circles, highlighting the strong sense of solidarity that often emerges in the aftermath of campus tragedies. Local officials have also pledged to provide additional resources to assist the university in coping with the aftermath of the shooting.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of educational institutions to acts of violence and the importance of swift, coordinated responses by law enforcement and campus authorities. Kentucky State University officials have reaffirmed their commitment to the safety and well-being of their community as the investigation proceeds.