De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr. Identified as Student Killed in Kentucky State University Campus Shooting; Suspect Jacob Lee Bard Arrested

De’Jon Darrell Fox Jr., a 19-year-old student from Indianapolis, has been identified as the student shot and killed in Tuesday’s on-campus shooting at Kentucky State University (KSU). A second student was also shot and remains in critical condition. Police have arrested the suspected gunman, identified as Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana.

The shooting occurred around 3 p.m. inside Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, one of the university’s residence halls. Frankfort Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy said officers responded quickly and confirmed that the shooting was an isolated incident.

“There are no active safety concerns on campus at this time,” Tracy stated during a press briefing Tuesday evening. Police have not yet released details regarding a possible motive.

Frankfort police reported that Jacob Lee Bard has been booked on charges of murder and first-degree assault in connection with the shooting. Bard is not a KSU student. Jail logs did not list an attorney for him, and county officials have not provided information about legal representation.

Footage from local news outlet WLKY-TV showed multiple police units surrounding the dormitory area, with crime scene tape cordoning off a courtyard. The second shooting victim remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. KSU said it is in close contact with the affected families and is offering counseling and support services to students.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the incident in a video on X, calling the shooting an isolated event and encouraging prayers for the victims, their families, and the KSU community. “Violence has no place in our commonwealth or country,” he said.

The university has canceled all classes, final exams, and campus activities for the remainder of the week. Students have been told they may return home if they wish, with further guidance forthcoming.

KSU President Koffi C. Akakpo described the incident as a “senseless tragedy.” He added, “We’re mourning the loss of one of our students. As a parent, I cannot imagine receiving the call I had to make today.”

This shooting is the second to occur near the same residence hall in four months. On August 17, shots were fired from a passing vehicle near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, injuring two individuals who were not KSU students. One victim suffered minor injuries, while the other sustained more serious harm. The dormitory and a vehicle were also damaged during that earlier incident.

Kentucky State University, a historically Black public university established in 1886, serves approximately 2,200 students and is located roughly two miles east of the Kentucky Capitol building in Frankfort.